We are inviting all Berks & Bucks clubs to apply to be part of this exciting new programme for the 2019/20 season – and the application window is now open. The deadline for all applications is Friday 28th February 2020. 

We are welcoming applications from grassroots clubs who have aspirations to provide playing opportunities for disabled footballers but who might currently lack the experience and confidence to organise disability football sessions. BOBiCats Disability Football Centres will be fully supported by Berks & Bucks FA through every stage of establishing a new disability football provision within your club.

So what does it mean to become a BOBiCats Disability Football Centre?

- BOBiCats centres will run for a minimum of 10 weeks (must be completed by June 2020).

- All centres will receive a £300 grant and 10 Nike Footballs.

- All centres will have use of professional designed marketing materials, digital assets for online promotion and a dedicated support officer to aid the development of the session.

- Each centre will have the opportunity to attend a CPD workshop aimed to build up the coach’s confidence of coaching disabled footballers.

- Coaches will have access to 10 weeks of session ideas and the opportunity to liaise with an FA Coach Mentor for continued coaching support.

- Following 10 weeks of sessions all BOBiCats Centre will have the opportunity to attend a BOBi league event and play other BOBiCats centres and/or U8 or U12 disability teams from across the region.

- Additional funding can be accessed by BOBiCats centres, through the Grow the Game scheme, to continue past the initial 10 weeks of sessions.

So what criteria does our club have to have in place to become a BOBiCats Centre?

- All organisations must be affiliated to Berks & Bucks FA.

- There should be a minimum of two coaches in attendance at all sessions. The lead coach should hold a minimum of an FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate with an in-date CRC, FA Safeguarding, FA Emergency 1st Aid. All coaches must have an in-date CRC. The funds can be used to provide coaching services.

- Coaching ratios should not exceed 1:10 (minimum 2 coaches).

- Players should be aged between 4-8 years old with a Learning or Physical Disability.

- All organisations must have a Safeguarding Children Policy.

- All organisations must have a Designated Safeguarding Officer. This can be the Club Welfare Officer.

- All facilities should have proof that the venue complies with Health and Safety Regulations.

- All organisations should have Public Liability Insurance.

Need any additional help?

Berks & Bucks FA are committed to supporting all BOBiCats centres with a dedicated support officer, access to high quality marketing materials, ideas to promote your sessions and ways to sustain your sessions following the initial 10 weeks.

There has never been a better time to get involved in Disability Football and we will help you every step of the way.

Interested in becoming a BOBiCats Disability Football Centre?

In the first instance, you should contact Berks & Bucks FA to discuss your application. To do this contact Jonathan Coles (Disability Football Development Officer) on 01235 558451 or Development@Berks-BucksFA.com

Following your initial conversation you will then have to fill out the short application form which can be completed by downloading it here. You can also make an off-line application by printing the application form attached below and posting it to Berks & Bucks Football Association.

The application window will remain open until Friday 28th February, 2020. We aim to review all applications within two weeks of submission. There is no need to wait until the deadline as sessions can begin as early as February 2020. All applications will be notified of a final decision.

If you require any further information on this programme please contact Disability Football Development Officer Jonathan Coles via Development@Berks-BucksFA.com or call 01235 558451.