Whether you’ve just joined our club, are thinking about joining, or have been with us for a while, this page will give you a brief outline of what we’re all about at Methley United AFC. We believe we have something a bit special here, and we go the extra mile to make sure you and your family feel welcomed and supported throughout your footballing journey.
At Methley United, we believe football should be accessible to everyone, and our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for all players. We want every child to enjoy the beautiful game, have fun, and learn valuable life skills along the way.
Below is an outline of some of our values and expectations, please take the time to read and speak to any of our coaches our committee members if you have any questions.
We ask each player, parent, guardian and coach to agree to the FA Grassroots code of conduct when they join the club, ensuring that everyone adheres to our shared values and standards.
For players up to 11 years old, all grassroots leagues are non-competitive, with no published standings. The focus is on development, fun, and playing against teams of similar ability. The goal is to provide the best possible experience for every player.
While everyone loves to win, sometimes success isn’t just about the scoreline. It could be a player trying a new position, improving a skill, or simply stepping onto the pitch for the first time. We value these personal victories just as much as winning games. Our aim is to teach players to compete with humility and respect, win or lose.
Football is a team sport, and we try to discourage individual rewards, like offering money for each goal scored. Instead, focus on team-oriented achievements, like effort, attitude, and teamwork. If you’d like to incentivise your child’s progress, feel free to speak to the coach, and we can work together to support your child’s development.
On matchdays, all parents, guardians and spectators are asked to stand behind the Respect Barrier, as per FA rules, which helps protect the players.
We also follow the “One Voice” rule, meaning the coach is the only one giving instructions during the game. Parents, Guardians and spectators are encouraged to avoid shouting commands like “pass” or “shoot” from the sidelines, as this can confuse the players and may contradict the coach’s guidance. Instead, we ask parents and guardians to offer positive support and encouragement, allowing the children to make their own decisions, fostering creativity and learning.
We believe in giving players the opportunity to try every position (including goalkeeper). This prevents early specialisation and helps them develop well-rounded skills. Parents and Guardians can support this by encouraging their child to embrace new roles. As players get older, they may naturally prefer certain positions, and we will work with players to ensure they’re comfortable and happy.
At the non-competitive age groups, we don’t select teams or players based on ability. Instead, our goal is to provide all players with equal playing time and opportunities to participate. Throughout the season, we are committed to ensuring every child has a chance to play and develop their skills.
We expect all players to show respect to their teammates, opponents, and referees, who are often volunteers. Small acts like shaking hands after the game, being polite, and respecting referees’ decisions are crucial to promoting good sporting behaviour. Whether we win or lose, we encourage our players to handle both outcomes with humility and grace.
All our coaches are volunteers, many of them parents/guardians themselves, who generously give up their time to support the club and the community. We ask that you please be patient with them. If you have any concerns, speak to them openly and with respect.
Our coaches are committed to providing the best experience for your children and are all required to meet the minimum FA standards. This includes holding first aid and child safeguarding qualifications. Additionally, at least one coach per team will have completed the FA Introduction to Football course.
Our coaching methods are aligned with national FA standards to ensure a high-quality learning environment.
You can also support the coaches in many ways, such as helping clear up after matches, following the code of conduct, and setting a good example for the children. There are also plenty of volunteer roles available that aren’t just coaching if you’d like to get more involved in the club!
Players should wear their full Methley United kit with pride for all matches, as they are representing the club. Speak to your coach about how to order your kit, which is yours to own and look after.
All players must have suitable boots for the surface they are playing on, whether it’s grass or 4G pitches, and shin pads are mandatory. Avoid micro shin pads—they may be popular with professionals, but they don’t offer enough protection for young players.
A warm, waterproof jacket is recommended for when players are on the bench, and base layers (skins) can help keep them warm during cold weather.
Football is a winter sport, so dressing appropriately for the weather will help ensure an enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to pack a cold drink or even a flask of hot chocolate on those especially chilly days!
Football is not just about the game; it’s about building friendships and learning valuable life skills. We encourage team-building activities off the pitch as well, such as fundraising events and social gatherings, to help foster a sense of community and camaraderie.
When joining Methley United, all players and parents/guardians agree to our Code of Conduct, which ensures that everyone feels safe, supported, and comfortable. This helps us maintain the positive environment we are so proud of and ensures that football remains fun for everyone involved.
We look forward to welcoming you to Methley United and seeing your child grow and develop, both as a player and as a person, in our supportive and friendly football community.
At Methley United, the welfare of our young players is our top priority. We are fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children in our club. To ensure this, we have appointed two dedicated Child Welfare Officers who are always available to address any concerns or issues you may have.
If you need to discuss a welfare matter, you can easily reach our Child Welfare Officers by using the contact form on our website. Simply select “Discuss Welfare Concern” from the dropdown menu, and one of our officers will respond as soon as possible.
Rest assured, any concerns will be handled with the utmost care, confidentiality, and professionalism. We are here to make sure every child feels safe and supported while enjoying their football experience at Methley United.
