SALISBURY FC YOUTH
Oh, go on then, I'll do it! What could possibly go wrong?
Have you ever thought about getting into coaching? Chris Selly, our new U7 coach certainly hadn’t. Here is his story:
"Coach Chris! Coach Chris!" are two words I never really expected to ever be aimed at me. Yes, I may be highly qualified - I played hours of Championship Manager in my youth, fantasised about REALLY being manager of (normally some random team) Sutton Utd, Champions League Winners in 1999 and am fully media trained; having conducted many press interviews in my head "Yes, Sutton have come a long way - it's a team effort; I'd especially like to thank my backroom staff [nods to the dog sitting in the corner of the room]". However, this reality comes from a place of social awkwardness. It all existed in my head, my safe space, literally the stuff of dreams!
So I, almost grown-up, have possibly 2, 3, ok 4 too many children and eventually the most fearful words are said (to a life-long introvert, hermit type person), by one of the coaches at my son's football practice; "We need some parents to step up and coach and manage the U7 teams".
I look at my son, his puppy like expression, pleading with me to do it. My mouth makes some strange involuntary twitches and then spouts out (without any conscious input from me) "Oh, go on then, I'll do it". WHY!? It all goes dark...
OK, possibly a touch overdramatic! It is very much out of my comfort zone, but now, a few months in, I am enjoying myself! (Fake it till you make it?) Introductory coaching badges obtained, fresh clipboard purchased (still waiting for my own training kit with my initials on - never had that during my Championship Manager career) and now a few games in, I think I'm beginning to understand why people volunteer and ruin their previously completely trouble-free lives (sorry just adjusting my slightly grubby rose-tinted spectacles).
I don't think I'll ever forget the sheer joy, when our team finally scored their first ever goal (I'd run out of fingers counting the goals scored by the opposition by this point) and the scorer made a point of running all the way back to hug the goal keeper. It really was lovely. It certainly makes up for the madness of organising training sessions, picking teams (fair substitution patterns) and that mad dash at the end of the game (collecting match balls, cones, children -back to their parents and then remembering to cling onto my own son while faffing with mine and his football boots!)
So, what could go wrong? Who cares?! It's brilliant fun! ⚽
Come and join our coaching team
We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our girls youth coaching community.
The girl coaches work together, help each other out and share the coaching to develop girls through the Youth system pathway.
We are now looking for another two or three volunteers to either coach a new under 11s team or assist with our experienced u12s coaches.
Salisbury girls train on the 3G at Sarum Academy and play games in the new local girls South Wiltshire Mini Soccer League and the Wiltshire County cup.
Coaching experience is not necessarily required. All training can be provided including DBS check and Safeguarding. Just bring enthusiasm, kindness and a love for the game.
Contact Ed Searle on edsearle1977@icloud.com for more information.
Youth Player Enquiries for 2023/24
Are you looking for a team for your son or daughter. Follow this link and complete the form to be contacted the relevant team manager to see if there is availability. We look forward to hearing from you.
A Day on a Salisbury FC youth tour
It was the first proper weekend of the new season with all 25 teams in action and we decided to take a look at some of our up-and-coming stars.
We started the day checking in at Gangers farm (very nice, brand new facilities) to watch the U8 Storm team. A great game with goals galore swung one way and then the other and back again. The young Whites side showed real signs of progress since we last saw them win the Ray Mac tournament in May. There were some cracking goals from individual players but most impressive was the great team play in a game that was played in a wonderful spirit by both sides. The opposition goalie had a game to remember and was outstanding for such a young man.
At the opposite end of the youth age spectrum next up were the U16 boys v AFC Totton at Wellow. A 2-0 win for the Whites (first team supporters will recognize this as a common scoreline in this contest 😉) was about right for on the day but more importantly a great team spirit was clearly evident to see. My eyes on this one where firmly looking for what we can expect in the next crop of U18’s and ultimately the development squad in the next couple of years. I am glad to say, there is plenty to look forward to in the future in this bunch of players.
Girl Football Session
On a beautiful mid October morning, Coach Scott, head of Salisbury FC girls and coach JT and Ed, with help from a couple of willing mum volunteers, welcomed a group of girls to the new Salisbury FC girls taster training sessions.
There was a great turn out and the coaches were positively amazed with the talent on display.
The session started with coach JT and Ed running a skills box session before moving into Scott’s more technical drilling and passing session, before splitting into teams for a quick match to finish.
Well done to all that attended and should anyone else be interested in taking part please contact Ed on 07801482919.
All coaches are, of course, fully qualified and DBS checked.
The first few taster sessions have gone so well that we are now running regular weekly session every Sunday, 10am at the Lifestock Market, Netherhampton Road, Salisbury, SP2 8PR. The sessions are open to girls from 9-14 and cost £2. To register your interest please complete this form so that we know to expect you.
Help us stop unacceptable behaviour at football matches
Stoneham Lane Access
Some of our teams play at the newly built facility Stoneham Lane Football Complex in Eastleigh. To enter the facility you will need to register and obtain a QR code. This applies to ALL PLAYERS, PARENTS, COACHES and anybody else who wants access to the ground. The link below will take you to the registration page. You must your smartphone to register!
Help us raise funds for SFC Youth
Salisbury FC Youth is a not for profit organisation, run 100% by unpaid volunteers. To be able to provide our players with the best training facilities, leagues and outfits whilst keeping the signing on fee as low as possible, we are constantly looking for ways to raise extra funds.
Easyfundraising is an app that allows you to shop from 1000s of different online shops and raise money for SFC Youth at the same time. It doesn't cost you a penny, it won't increase the prices you pay for online goods and it doesn't involve many extra clicks.
Get your photos published
Are you a parent who takes a lot of photos of your child's football team? Would you like us to publish them on this website? Just email them to us stating which team they are depicting and they will appear in our gallery shortly afterwards.
PS: We will never name any players depicted in any photo with their full name.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Promote your local brand or business by doing something really great by sponsoring one of our youth teams. Your logo or name could be on their shirts, shorts, track suits, this website and many more. Every kit sponsor gets a photo and certificate to display in their business. More...
Check out the amazing photos that Michael Berkeley has taken for us at our 2023 tournament at this link Salisbury FC Youth Tournament 2023
ALL PHOTOS ARE NOW UPLOADED AND AVAILABLE TO ORDER
Thank you to all our hard working volunteer coaches
Every single one of our managers and coaches is a 100% volunteer. The vast majority of them got into coaching through their own children playing for Salisbury. Most of them started helping out as a parent and were eventually persuaded to take their coaching badges. As a Charter Standard club we pride ourselves that all our coaching staff are DBS checked and trained in Safeguarding Children and First Aid and they all hold a minimum of a Level 1 Coaching Qualification. Many of them are Level 2 or 3 and have further youth football qualifications. The one thing they all have in common is a passion for football and a passion for working with young players. Watching a young player grow his or her ability, confidence, social skills and the pure enjoyment of the game, is all the satisfaction our coaches require in return for their efforts.
Our Fantastic Partners
