At the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, we recently conducted a Club Engagement Survey with our members clubs to better understand views and opinions on the type of support that can, or should, be provided on a local level to help clubs achieve their ambitions as we move forwards post pandemic.

Following the completion of this survey and consultation with club reps, we wanted to take the time to cutline our next steps and the actions we plan to implement as a results of the feedback received.

Summary – What clubs said

From a response rate of 23% of members clubs, here are some of the key headlines of what clubs said within this survey and wider consultation;

Clubs wanted support across a variety of topic areas, but the top 3 were; Recruiting, retaining and supporting the clubs workforce (53%), Becoming investment ready for facility development (44%), Growing or developing participation opportunities for female players (43%)

Clubs would benefit from being able to access support through a variety of formats and forums, with clubs telling us 80% would benefit from more online resources, 65% through the delivery of workshops, 64% one-2-one support, 54% though a mentor, and 49% through club network groups.

68% of clubs suggested they would welcome engagement and support through a mixture of both online and in-person forums, with 60% suggesting they would engage with an online support meetings at least monthly, with 72% of clubs suggesting they would travel up to 30minutes for access workshops and other networking opportunities on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Other points that were noted within the responses to the survey was; a need for greater communication, check-ins with clubs which include attendance on match days and training evening, creation of clubs forums to share good practice, bespoke support for new club officials, and signposting to funding support available for clubs.

Action – What we will action

So, as a results of the feedback received we have established the following “We Will” actions that we plan to implement moving forwards;

1. One-2-One Support: We will contact clubs that requested greater one-2-one support which could include; committee, match day or training evening support visits where appropriate.
2. Online Resources: We will communicate online support resources available through direct communication with clubs, as well as through County FA social media and website platforms.
3. Educational Workshops: We will engage with industry experts to deliver up to 4 in-person workshops per season on priority topic areas, with the aim that these workshops will take place within 30minutes travel time for most of the county.
4. New Officials: We will deliver an annual workshop, develop a network group and create resources specifically for new club officials to support them in their first season.
5. Online Support Calls: We will deliver bi-monthly online calls for clubs, with the aim of providing key updates and opportunities for clubs. This will be supported by bi-monthly news bulletins.
6. Regionalised Clubs Surgeries:  We will deliver bi-monthly regionalised club surgeries across local authority areas through-out the season to enable accessible networking opportunities with County FA, clubs and other key stakeholders in the local area.

…In the meantime, some useful online resources

In the meantime, 80% of clubs said they would benefit from greater access to online resources, therefore to get you started, here are some useful FREE online resources may be of benefit; 

• The FA Club and Leagues Hub - The League & Club Hub part of England Football is where you’ll find everything you need to take your club or league to the next level and beyond. Priceless expertise. Exclusive insight. Top tips. It’s an online community of FA staff, club consultants and grassroots football heroes, all united to provide your club or league with the knowledge it needs to succeed. Click here to learn more

• The Grassroots Football Hub – Here you will find FREE online workshop delivered by The FA, available for you to book on and access as required. The next online workshop is on Thursday 10^th March, 7pm, “A vision for your football community “ where clubs are invited online to understand what having a clear purpose and identity means to your football community and how identity is everything you represent, from the boardroom to the pitch. Book on or learn more here
• Sport England Club Matters - Club Matters is a Sport England Lottery funded programme that provides free resources, support, guidance and workshops to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations. Club Matters resources are designed to support organisations who are looking to set up, develop, grow, reach out to new communities and maximise their engagement with new and existing members, participants and volunteers. Click here to learn more

We hope the above clearly outlines to actions we plan to take however we always remain open to further feedback and suggestions on how we can develop the support we offer to our member clubs. If you have any further suggestions, feedback or require specific help to support your ongoing development, please do not hesitate to contact us at development@LeicestershireFA.com or contact the relevant staff member here