Core Activities programme

Nationally all the Football in the Community Projects have a similar brief but the officer in charge may have preferred activities he wishes to prioritise.

At Port Vale F.C we operate a diverse range of activities including:

* Saturday Soccer Coaching Centres - Two venues operate from Dimensions Leisure Centre in Burslem and Congleton High School, each one delivers year round coaching sessions from 10.00am till 12.00pm accommodating boys and girls of all abilities age 6 to 13 years.

* Development Centres - Operates from the club gym in Hamil Road over two weekday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.00pm, open to boys and girls who have aspirations to play at a high level.

* Soccer Schools - Organised at numerous venues throughout North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, open to boys and girls of all abilities age 5 to 13 years, sessions are structured but with an emphasis placed on fun and participation.

* Curriculum Coaching - The Scheme has many links with schools in Stoke on Trent, Newcastle Borough, Staffordshire Moorlands, South Cheshire and Derbyshire. Trained FITC deliver weekly football coaching sessions to supplement existing PE timetable, participating schools receive match tickets to distribute as rewards, player visits, participation in national and local competitions and fund raising initiatives.

* PPA (Planning, Preparation and assessment) - This facility was introduced following legislation implemented by the Goverment as a directive for Teachers in school to spend a percentage of their working week outside the classroom environment. Football in the Community staff deliver multi sports sessions in local schools, the duration of the sessions can vary depending on individual schools needs. Some schools are visited for a full day, some are two half days, FITC are flexible and understanding of a school's needs.

* After School Coaching - FITC staff liaise with local schools to organise an extensive after school coaching programme for children in years 1 to 8 primary and secondary schools. Sessions take place between 3.30 and 4.30pm.

* Fund Raising Initiatives - FITC staff organise and deliver sponsored penalty shootout competitions in local schools, during term time which raise much needed funds for the school and FITC as a Registered Charity.

* Children's Birthday Parties - This activity can be booked all year round and takes place at Vale Park, the party format includes a tour of the ground and a football session in the club gym, FITC also provide a function room for the party, complimentary match tickets for all participants and a signed football for the birthday boy or girl.

* Out of School Childcare - This facility opened in 2003 and was awarded funding from the Big Lottery to help establish a quality childcare provision for boys and girls age 8 to 14 years old.

"Boomer's Club" named after the Port Vale mascot operates from the community building in Hamil Road and is a multi sports setting, which currently operates during holiday periods only.

* Playing for Success - This is a numeracy/literacy strategy for local school children in years 6 and 7 which was opened in 1998 initially on twin sites at Port Vale Football Club and Haywood High School. Today PFS operates solely from Vale Park and takes pride in the fact that it is quite "different" from the national curriculum being delivered in schools, much of the programme is innovative and challenging for the participants, who, judging by the positive feedback received, gain great benefits from their participation.

* Ground Visits - This activity is open to a multitude of organisations ranging from schools, cubs/scout/guides groups, colleges and universities.Football in the Community staff work closely with you to make all the arrangements. During the visit participants will be able to access the dressing rooms, function rooms, pitchside, players tunnel, matchroom control.

* Matchday Experience - Local schools, Junior Football Clubs are given the opportunity to visit Vale Park on a matchday, receive a coaching session from our qualified staff followed by a game organised by FITC.

At the end of the morning session participants will be taken on a ground tour and have photo opportunities, followed by the big game live at Vale Park.

Anyone interested in the activities mentioned or seeking more information on other Football in the Community activities at Port Vale Football Club should ring the community office on 01782575594 or e-mail jcooper@sgfl.org.uk.