Development Plan – November 2005

Executive Summary
The North Glasgow Football Development Group (“NGFDG”) was established in May 2005 by members of Crosslands AFC who identified the lack of opportunities, facilities and infrastructure in the north of Glasgow for young children (boys and girls) who are interested in football and wanted to address this.

Following discussions with Glasgow City Council and local MSPs and Councillors NGFDG was launched with the stated aims of “inclusiveness, opportunity and access for all, improving facilities, improving coaching and youth diversion through football.”

The immediate target and focus of the activities of the NGFDG was to provide football coaching for children in the north of Glasgow covering North Kelvinside, Maryhill, Summerston, Ruchill, Milton, Springburn and Possil.

Working closely in partnership with the local Councillor and the City Council NGFDG has arranged for the upgrading of 2 derelict 7-a-side pitches at North Kelvinside Playing Fields (“NK”) together with the installation of two sets of permanent goal posts on the site.

Subsequently, this enabled the NGFDG to begin football coaching sessions on Sunday 18 September 2005. Numbers have been steadily growing in the intervening period and NGFDG now has a membership of approximately 50 with a regular attendance of between 35 and 40 (1/4 of whom are girls) between the ages of 4 and 12.

One of the main tenets of the NGFDG is that all members should have access to the best facilities and equipment possible. Successful fund raising activities (over £2,500 has been raised since inception) have therefore enabled the purchase of brand new equipment including footballs, marker cones, bibs and goal nets in addition to the 75% subsidising of club clothing for all members.

NGFDG also identified medium and long-term goals including the full upgrading of all the facilities at NK, the formation of boys and girls teams, the provision of multi-sport coaching and building of a permanent clubhouse at NK and activities continue apace in furtherance of these aims.

In parallel with these activities, Crosslands AFC has set up and equipped a second adult team for the 2005/06 season and the long term vision is that NGFDG and Crosslands AFC will provide a means whereby girls, boys and adults can all play football ‘under one roof’ at one location.

Current Structure of NGFDG

NGFDG is essentially an umbrella organisation consisting of the Kids’ Coaching Sessions and Crosslands AFC – two complementary groups.

(a) Kids’ Coaching –

Approx 50 members (boys and girls)
Sunday afternoon training sessions with regular attendance of 35-40
7 qualified coaches (1 female)
Committee of 5
Raised over £2,500 since inception in May 2005

(b) Crosslands AFC –

Two adult football teams playing in the Glasgow and District Saturday Morning League and Greater Glasgow Premier League (afternoon)
30 members
Committee of 5
Turnover of approx £13,000 in season 2004/05

NGFDG Achievements May 05 – Nov 05

Setting up and equipping of second adult team for Crosslands AFC
Providing training facilities for two adult teams (30 members) at NK and Hyndland Secondary School
Successful launch (18 Sept) of “Kids’ Coaching Sessions” for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12 every Sunday for 1½ hours at NK – total of 50 members, approximately ¼ girls
Conversion of derelict hockey pitches at NK into 2 newly lined 7-a-side football pitches with permanent goal posts
7 qualified coaches with 2 more booked to attend a course on Dec 4
Successful fund raising enabling the purchase of training equipment (footballs, marker cones, bibs, goal nets) to a value of approx £275 together with the subsidising of club clothing (hats and jumpers) for all members at an overall cost of approx £600.
Milestones

(a) Short Term Goals Dec 05 – May 06
(discussions ongoing with Glasgow City Council)

Location at NK of a storage facility for training equipment that is utilised for both children and adults
essential to ensure the maintenance and longevity of kit and will also alleviate the current space problems that prevents the purchase of additional equipment
Reinstatement and upgrading of existing perimeter fencing
the current fencing offers a major Health and Safety risk as it does not prevent footballs running onto Queen Margaret Drive)
Connection/reconnection of floodlight system on 7-a-side pitches
if membership and attendance continues to rise then additional mid-week evening coaching sessions will be required which is currently prohibited by lack of light on the 7-a-side pitches

(b) Medium Term Goals Jun 06 – Dec 06

Formation of boys and girls football teams
age dependant but current profile indicates that possibly Under 8 and Under 9
Continue and expand programme of Kids’ Coaching Sessions on Sundays
this will not just be for players in teams, but will be open to all and will promote good health
Introduce mid-week training for team players
teams will require more specific training sessions if progress is to continue – but this will not be to the detriment of those not associated with teams
Move Crosslands AFC training from Hyndland to NK on Tuesdays
resulting in Crosslands AFC conducting 2 sessions per week at NK
Upgrade coaching qualifications
includes Level 2, Club Coaches and UEFA licences

(c) Long term goals 2007 – 2010

Establish NK as permanent home for NGFDG and Crosslands AFC
Upgrade and replacement of all perimeter fencing at NK
Upgrade and replacement of playing surfaces to grass/synthetic surfaces allowing the facility to be utilised by the local community for multi-sport purposes in addition to football
Replacement of goals on 11-a-side park and installation of dug-outs
Build permanent club house facility at NK to include meeting room facilities