EASTSIDE AFC YOUTH FOOTBALL
Rock Park Barnstaple North Devon
Frequently Asked Questions
We are an open friendly club - if there is something you need to know please just ask. Here are some frequently asked questions which we hope may help.
01
Can I Just bring my child along to training ?
Of course, no problem we'd love to see you. All we ask is you text or phone the age groups manager to check training in on as normal (just in case we are not there that week) and to see if there are spaces within the age group. If there is space your child can join in for a few weeks to make sure they like it before you sign up. Check the Teams Page to find out where and when each age group trains.
02
Are boys and girls welcome in your club ?
Eastside welcomes both boys and girls of all abilities. We want the children to enjoy everything about the game, from training right through to the matches. They will learn football skills in a safe and friendly environment, be developed and encouraged to become the best player they can be.
03
What kit do we need ?
Shin pads are vital. Other than that comfortable clothes like tracksuit and shorts and tee shirts are fine for training and astros/mouldies/trainers or boots (Don't forget a hoodie to stay warm when cold and a drink to stay hydrated) We would suggest it is a good habit to always bring both boots and astros along to training or a match - we can't predict the pitch conditions! If your child plays in a game/league we will provide the Eastside kit for that.
04
What about fees/costs ?
We want to encourage all into football and as such try to keep are annual subscriptions as low as possible. These are decided annually and required at the beginning of the season. As a general rule the season starts the first week when schools go back in September each year.
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The annual subscriptions cover:
The pitches to play, player registrations, the winter and summer training (no additional match day fees) out of season summer tournaments are optional and are not included.
A Note about Fines / cautions:
Eastside AFC Youth Football abides by the rules and practices stated in the FA regulations. It is the policy of the Club to abide by the referee decisions in assigning cautions. The Club will not dispute these decisions, nor is the Club responsible for the payment of fines. The responsibility for the payment of those fines rests solely with the offending player and his/her parents/guardians. Any fines not paid within 14 days of the offence, will result in the player being suspended from playing matches until the fine is paid
05
I'm a local business and I'd like to support the club
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Thank you! We are so grateful to all our sponsors and supporters, it is the only way we manage to keep going. Please contact any of the management to discuss how you think you can help -financial support, time and expertise are all gratefully received.
06
How do I know your coaches and managers are qualified ?
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We take coaching very seriously and in addition to ensuring our coaches are qualified we always take appropriate measures when recruiting a manager or coach. Eastside AFC Youth Football club is run by a group of committed volunteer parents, qualified FA Level 1 coaches, CRC checked (formally known as CRB/DBS) All have Safeguarding and First Aid training and a love of football!
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I can't see my childs age group set up as a team ?
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We have everything in place and would welcome new age groups and managers. The club will fully support anyone who is interested in starting up a new team for children.
Is the kit we are given ours to keep ?
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No. It is your childs kit for as long as they are at our club. All kits remain the property of Eastside AFC and need to be returned.
When can we use / wear the kit ?
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Kits are solely for match days and any related Eastside activity - not for club training unless requested to do so. It is not permitted for you to wear the Eastside kit for any other sporting or social activities.
How do I know which age group my child should be in ?
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The correct age group for your child is determined by which school year they are in. For example if your child is a year 4 pupil but aged 9, they still play in the under 9's. They will move up with the rest of their team to under 10's when the new school year starts.
My child wears glasses, will that be a problem in matches ?
In light of the recent FA ruling regarding wearing glasses whilst playing football it is advisable that any member of our club who wears glasses come prepared with their sports goggles i.e. fully framed, strap around the head, toughened glass and no sharp areas. It will be at the referee’s discretion as to whether they allow a child wearing 'normal' glasses to play in any matches. For more information on Sports Goggles go to eyekit.com
If my child gets a fine in a match, who pays it?
Eastside AFC Youth Football abides by the rules and practices stated in the FA regulations. It is the policy of the Club to abide by the referee decisions in assigning cautions. The Club will not dispute these decisions, nor is the Club responsible for the payment of fines. The responsibility for the payment of those fines rests solely with the offending player and his/her parents/guardians. Any fines not paid within 14 days of the offence, will result in the player being suspended from playing matches until the fine is paid
Whose responsibility is it to get my child to and from matches?
It is entirely the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are provided with transport both to and from matches and training sessions.
The Club can take no responsibility for accidents which may take place whilst members are travelling in other parents or Committee members cars or other vehicles. It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to ensure that players can get safely to and from matches, training and Eastside events. We have a duty of care for the children whilst at training, matches and club events but are not responsible for children making their own way to and from any of our sessions.