Organised by Birmingham City Council, the Strikes Summer Holiday Football Scheme kicks-off on Monday July 21st at seven leisure centres throughout the area.

Mark Sanders, an FA Goal tutor and the manager of the project, said, "A key part of Strikes is our new Keeping Everyone Safe campaign, of which Goal is a major part. We have developed a set of guidelines in conjunction with the FA's Child Protection Unit and football's anti-racism campaign, Kick it Out."

"I am delighted with the opportunities it will provide for the children - and the parents will breathe a sigh of relief as well. We have just received Charter Standard status for the programme - the first in Birmingham and only the 16th nationally to achieve this," added Mark.

The Strikes scheme meets the Charter Standard requirement by having fully qualified coaches - including first aid and child protection - a guaranteed child/coach ratio, and equal opportunities for participants.

The FA's Football Development Officer in Birmingham, Natalie Justice, said, "We will be working closely with Strikes to help provide a steady stream of coaches who are up to the task of keeping an estimated 3,000 youngsters between the age of four and 13 amused, while administering their Charter Standard application.

"There are very important questions parents should ask before leaving their child in somebody else's care, and having Charter Standard status provides reassurance straight away," she said.

Natalie added, "We are delighted that Strikes have taken the time to prove they meet the requirements set by The FA and hope many more in our area follow in their footsteps. If things go to plan, others should benefit from what the initiative provides in terms of training, development and promotion of the scheme itself."

For more details about Strikes, call 0121 464 5000


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