featured, Rewarding our Volunteers

ESFA Launch new volunteer Reward and Recognition scheme

ESFA to launch new Reward & Recognition campaign for Schools’ Football volunteers across England 

The English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) is delighted to be planning a new Reward and Recognition Awards scheme for the 2022/23 Schools’ Football Season. This new campaign will see the Association, as the National Governing Body for Schools’ Football, reach out to and reward the army of volunteers that continue to dedicate their time, providing opportunities for school pupils across England to participate in local schools’ football activity.  

Recent findings have shown that there are volunteers giving up their time on behalf of the ESFA in local areas, via local County and District Schools’ FA’s – without realising that their efforts are contributing to the countrywide mission of the Association. The work of volunteers is intrinsic to the continuation of the ESFA across local and representative football and its impact on communities throughout England. Therefore, it is important the Association attempts to make a connection with these valuable volunteers to both recognise and reward their contributions.  

The ESFA plans to reach as many volunteers as possible, reminding them of how valued their input is and maybe even introducing some of them to the wider work of the English Schools’ FA. The new campaign also ensures that volunteers are aware of some of the benefits that can be accessed as part of their ESFA Membership. The Association is therefore asking volunteers to spare a few minutes to fill out the below survey, ensuring their contact details are captured – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYHZBKP

As part of the campaign, all volunteers that register via the link above will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Pro:Direct voucher. There will be 10 chances to win in each of the ESFA’s 4 regions (North, Midlands, South East & South West).  

ESFA volunteers can already register for a Pro:Direct account as part of the ESFA’s “Ëœclubshop’, via this link. This registration will ensure volunteers automatically receive 12 months free Elite Plus membership to Pro:Direct including 12 months free delivery on all items and 10% off their next football boot purchase.  

The ESFA’s new Reward & Recognition campaign is designed to reinforce the importance of volunteering within Schools’ Football and the Association plans to embrace this for the upcoming season and beyond.  

ESFA Internationals

ESFA Appoint New England Goalkeeping Coach

ESFA are delighted to welcome Connor Sidley-Adams on board with the England U18 Squad

The ESFA has gained a new member of the England U18 Schoolboy management team, welcoming Connor as the U18 Boys’ Goalkeeping coach…although he has prior U18 Schoolboys experience with the ESFA…

Connor, who himself represented England Schoolboys at U18 level in the 2011/12 season, has since gone on to graduate from Bournemouth University, held roles with the FA as a Coach Developer and is now studying for his MSc in Sports Coaching whilst working for SGS College as a Learning Area Manager.

Mark Hignett, ESFA Vice Chairman said “The ESFA are delighted with our appointment of former U18 schoolboy international Connor Sidley-Adams to the position of U18 Boys Goalkeeping Coach. Connor really impressed our panel with his application and interview and we know he will be a superb addition to the management team and our association.”

Following his appointment, Connor said “The year I was part of the schoolboy set up was one of the best experiences of my life, one I talk about to this day! We got to play at some of the best grounds in the country, alongside some great people and under an amazing coaching team led by Andy Williams! I’m now looking forward to life on the other side of the fence, supporting the players to have the best experience of their lives and one that they can look back on for years to come with fond memories!

The ESFA are looking forward to when they are able to begin hosting International football again and welcoming Connor fully into the team.