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I want to get the lad involved in a kids' football set up as the house/garden is getting trashed from the constant bombardment. Does anyone else have kids in a team/coaching program and is it worth it? Is there anything I should look out for apart from the obvious ie paedos etc?

What area of wilts if at all do you live. Most towns and even villages have very good youth football set ups starting as young as five right up to U18's. Mid wilts youth web site will give you an idea of what's on offer.

I think you have two options really.  A weekly session like the Football In The Community that Swindon offer, obviously the staff have been vetted there. Its more about skills building, although they play a game at the end. They have courses from aged 3 ish up. Obviously not everywhere has such a setup.

Or go to a local league team. The leagues in Swindon are from under 7 onwards and it is done by school year in. The U7 and U8 are non-competitive (in theory) where all the scores are reported as 1-1. There are a fair few established teams around, can't really give any recommendations. It might be a bit more tricky because the season has started.

My lad started with the FITC but had to give up when he could no longer get to the session due to our work commitments. He plays in a team now. He seemed to enjoy both.

What Notts said.

Your local town or village Wilts FA affiliated club will have to have CRB's for all coaches, and will have a nominated child welfare officer.

Also, in any charter marked club all coaches will have to have passed at least a level one coaching badge (which doesn't mean much in terms of quality of coaching, but getting the qualification is enough of a hassle/coast to put off people who aren't serious about wanting to do it right).

What area of Swindon?

Chisledon have a good set up going at the minute. Got charter standard last year (one of only 4 football clubs in Wiltshire I believe but don't quote me on that) and their under 12s picked up the fair play award for the whole of Wiltshire also.

I can put you in contact with the chairman, treasurer and/or one of the coach if you wanted me to.

Cheers guys, I am an exiled supporter and live in Cambridgeshire unfortunately. Having said that though, I think putting him in a set up with the FA's charter stamp seems like a good idea. I just have nightmares of this evil, over competitive coach who takes all the enjoyment out of it.

Does anyone have a coaching qualification? What does it entail?

I did a level 1 coaching course about 8-9 years ago. It basically involves very simple drills such as passing, turns, shooting etc. There is also some first aid involved and some child protection plus CRB check.

 football in the community from pro clubs are a good starting point(as batch mentioned) if you have one in the area? they are generally very friendly and enthusiastic, which the kids respond well to.
It's highlyl likely that your son will make friends there and that will lead to local football as some of the kids will be at local clubs. Parents invite you along etc.

Got my Level 1 as well...it's almost impossible to fail.