Lewes FC Juniors Club Capacity Policy

Purpose

With limited hours on the Rookery 3G and Priory School Fields available for football annually, we need to expressly manage and limit the number of teams that train and play on these facilities. The club’s aim is to have one team per gender per age group, and to manage out the legacy teams from Lewes Bridgeview FC.

This policy ensures transparent, structured, and efficient planning for the upcoming football season, enabling the club to address concerns, implement improvements, and plan team allocations and formats effectively. Additionally, it provides guidelines for optimal squad sizes to promote player development, manage resources effectively, and ensure compliance with safeguarding standards.

Policy

1. Transparency and Communication

  • The club is committed to open communication with all managers and coaches to foster collaboration and trust.

  • Key dates and planning documents will be shared well in advance to ensure clarity and address concerns.

2. Alignment with Strategic Goals

  • Capacity planning will align with the club’s vision for growth, player development, and operational efficiency.

  • The process will involve input from managers, ensuring a bottom-up approach in planning decisions.

3. Timely Decision-Making

  • Structured deadlines will provide managers and the committee ample time to review, address concerns, and implement changes effectively.

4. Squad Sizes and Formats

  • Squad sizes will follow FA recommendations to ensure adequate playing opportunities for all players:

    • Mini-Soccer U7-U8s playing 5 vs 5 or 7 vs 7: Recommended 10-12 players.

    • U9/U10s playing 7 vs 7: Recommended 12-14 players.

    • U11/U12s playing 9 vs 9: Recommended 12-15 players.

    • U13/U14s 11 vs 11: Recommended 14-17 players.

    • U15 and above 11 vs 11: Recommended 16-20 players.

  • Deviations from these recommendations should be justified and approved by the committee to ensure safeguarding ratios and optimal player engagement.

Procedure

1. Pre-Season Planning Document (Deadline: End of February)

  • Responsibility: The committee will prepare a comprehensive document for the upcoming season.

  • Content to Include:

    • Plans for the upcoming season.

    • Any fundamental changes to the club’s structure, policies, or operations.

    • Exciting new initiatives (e.g., new partnerships, facilities, or programs).

    • Key dates for the season (e.g., registration deadlines, trials, or events).

    • Votes or input required from managers for specific decisions.

  • Distribution:

    • The document will be shared with all managers and coaches on or before 28th February.

  • Follow-Up Actions:

    • Managers review the document and identify areas of concern or questions.

    • A follow-up meeting or communication round (as needed) will be scheduled to address queries and concerns before finalizing plans.

2. Team Commitment Submission (Deadline: 31st May)

  • Responsibility: Each manager must formally confirm their team’s intention to participate in the upcoming season.

  • Submission Requirements:

    • Managers will submit:

      • Confirmation of team participation for the next season.

      • Preferred league for the team.

      • Team format (e.g., 7-a-side, 9-a-side, or 11-a-side).

      • Anticipated squad size, adhering to recommended guidelines.

      • Any anticipated challenges (e.g., insufficient players, need for additional resources).

  • Process:

    • Managers must submit this information via a standardized form or platform shared by the committee.

3. Review and Planning by the Committee

  • Timeline:

    • The committee will use the period between 31st May and the start of the season to finalize team allocations, league applications, and other logistical arrangements.

  • Action Steps:

    • Assess team submissions and ensure alignment with club goals and resources.

    • Address any concerns flagged by managers in their submissions.

    • Finalize and communicate the plan for the next season to all managers and stakeholders.

Accountability and Monitoring

Committee Responsibilities:

  • Ensure timely preparation and distribution of the planning document.

  • Facilitate open communication and address concerns raised by managers.

  • Review team submissions and ensure resources are allocated effectively.

Manager Responsibilities:

  • Provide input on the pre-season planning document.

  • Submit accurate and timely information about their team’s participation.

  • Ensure squad sizes align with FA recommendations, raising any concerns early to the committee.

By adhering to this policy and procedure, the club will maintain clarity, foster collaboration, and ensure smooth operations for the upcoming season while promoting player development and safeguarding best practices.