NEW COACH GUIDE
Coaching is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference, meet new people and help young players develop their skills, confidence and love of football.
Whether you’re an experienced coach or completely new to coaching, you’ll be joining a supportive club community with opportunities to learn, develop and share your experiences with other coaches.
BEfore you apply
Before starting an application, you should have had a conversation with an existing coach or a member of the Methley United AFC committee. They’ll be able to answer any initial questions you have about coaching and point you towards this guide.
Before you apply, please make sure you’re comfortable with the expectations of being part of our coaching team:
- Put the enjoyment, development and wellbeing of players first
- Create a positive, inclusive and supportive environment
- Commit to your team and attend training and matches as consistently as possible
- Take part in club coaches’ meetings and development opportunities where possible
- Keep your required qualifications and training up to date
- Represent Methley United AFC positively and help maintain the welcoming club culture we’re proud of
GETTING STARTED
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand everything you need to do before you can start coaching with us.
Please work through each step in order. If you’re unsure about anything along the way, please speak to Sarah our Club Welfare Officer (CWO) at cwomethleyutd@gmail.com
STEP 1: Create an Account with the FA
Before you can begin onboarding, you must first have an account with The Football Association (FA) and be issued with an FA Number (FAN).
Your FA Number (FAN) is your unique identification number within The Football Association’s systems. It allows us to identify you and link you to the correct club and team.
If you already have a FAN
Do not create a new FAN
If you’ve previously played, coached or been involved in football, you may already have an FA FAN.
Using multiple FANs can cause problems with your records and qualifications.
If you’re unsure whether you already have one, speak to Sarah before creating a new account.
If you don't already have a FAN
You’ll need to create one through the FA.
Click the link below and sign up for an account with the FA.
STEP 2: Contact The CHILD Welfare officer
Once you have your FAN, contact:
Sarah Stevenson: Club Welfare Officer (CWO)
cwomethleyutd@gmail.comPlease provide Sarah with:
- Your full name
- Your FAN number
- Your date of birth
- Your postcode
Sarah will use this information to locate your FA record and link you to Methley United AFC.
If you already have an FA FAN, Sarah will check your existing record and link that FAN to the club.
Your FAN must be linked to Methley United AFC before your DBS application can be started.
STEP 3: Complete Your DBS Check
Once your FAN has been linked to Methley United AFC, Sarah will initiate your DBS application.
You will receive an email from Know Your People with a link to complete your DBS application online.
You’ll need to:
- Follow the link in the email
- Complete your application
- Provide the required information
- Upload photographs of your identification documents
- Submit your application
Occasionally, additional ID verification may be required
Some applications are randomly selected for additional verification.
If this happens, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean there is a problem with your application.
Sarah will contact you and arrange for your identity documents to be verified.
How long will it take?
You’ll receive email updates from Know Your People as your application progresses.
The process can take up to six weeks during particularly busy periods, so please allow plenty of time.
Once your DBS check is complete, you will receive a physical copy of your DBS certificate in the post.
You do not need to send a copy of your certificate to Sarah. Once processed, your FA record will be updated accordingly.
STEP 4: Complete Your Mandatory Training
While you’re waiting for your DBS application to be completed, you can get started with your mandatory training.
Every coach at Methley United AFC must complete the following courses:
Introduction to First Aid in Football
This course provides coaches with essential knowledge to help respond appropriately to injuries and medical situations that may occur during football.
Safeguarding Children Course
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
This course helps coaches understand how to create a safe environment for children, recognise concerns and understand what to do if they are worried about a child’s welfare.
Methley United AFC will cover the cost of all your required training.
Once you’ve completed and paid for your course, simply email proof of purchase along with your bank account details to treasurer@methleyunitedafc.org. The club treasurer will arrange reimbursement.
STEP 5: Additional Training
In addition to mandatory safeguarding and first aid training, at least one coach per team must hold the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification (formerly FA Level 1).
All coaches are encouraged to complete the course, which provides a great foundation in grassroots coaching and player development.
Methley United AFC will reimburse the full cost of this course once completed, subject to our reimbursement process and proof of payment.
Methley United AFC will cover the cost of all your required training.
Once you’ve completed and paid for your course, simply email proof of purchase along with your bank account details to treasurer@methleyunitedafc.org. The club treasurer will arrange reimbursement.