Parent FAQs
DO I PAY WEEKLY FEES?
No. We do not charge weekly fees. Instead we have an annual fee payable in two parts during the season (August and January). If you join a team part way through the year the fee is reduced.
For those who would like to spread the cost of registration across 6 months we offer a payment plan.
WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE THERE?
The fees cover the use of our training and match venues, as well as insurance and league and FA registration. We also provide training equipment for each team and the first playing kit for each newly formed team.
Players will need to have the correct football boots, as well as shin pads, which we don’t provide. It is up to each team to decide what other kit they want to use and how to fund this. Most teams have some sponsorship to cover new playing kit but you may still need to pay a contribution to this. There may also be contributions to referee fees or additional tournaments or events that your team attend.
ARE THE COACHES QUALIFIED?
Yes. As an FA Accredited club each individual team must have a manager and coach qualified to at least level one by the FA. This covers safeguarding, basic first aid and how to manage and safely run a team with age appropriate training and coaching. Many of our volunteers have taken further qualifications.
All coaches and managers are DBS checked.
WHEN ARE MATCHES AND TRAINING?
Most matches are on a Sunday. The kick off time varies, with the younger age groups starting in the morning and older ages playing in to the afternoon. Girls teams play matches on a Saturday.
Occassionally matches are scheduled on other days, usually towards the end of the season when previous matches have had to be cancelled and re-arranged.
Training times will depend on the team. We have 30 plus teams to accommodate across all five weekday evenings and Saturdays. Training lasts for one hour.
WHERE DO MATCHES AND TRAINING TAKE PLACE?
Most training sessions are either at the Dorchester Town Football stadium or at the 1610 pitch. Both of these are 3g (artificial grass) and so can be used in almost all conditions.
Our home matches are either at the stadium (younger age groups plus the under 16s), at Sandringham Fields or Thomas Hardye School grounds. We have a some other venues we use outside of Dorchester for a couple of the older age groups.
Away matches can be anywhere in Dorset.
WHAT IS THE FA’S CODE OF RESPECT?
To promote football as a safe and fun activity for children of all ages and abilities the Football Association has produced a Code of Conduct. All individuals involved in our teams, whether players, officials or parents / supporters, are required to follow these.
The code promotes setting a good example and providing a supportive environment for all. It also sets out consequences for those who choose not to follow the principles.
I CAN’T FIND A TEAM FOR MY PLAYER, THEY ALL SEEM TO BE FULL, WHAT CAN I DO?
Unfortunately each team has a maximum capacity of players. They are only allowed to register a set amount for matches (depending on the format, 5 a side, 7 a side etc) and whilst managers will try and accomodate some additional players for training only this isn’t always possible due to supervision ratios or physical space.
If you have been unable to find a team with space then please let the committee know and we will keep a record of interested players. Particularly at the younger ages we find we get a lot of interest and can consider creating an additional team. This always depends on whether we can find more volunteers to coach as well as space for training but we do our best to get everyone involved.
Player FAQs
DO I NEED TO BE A GREAT FOOTBALLER?
Absolutely not, DTYFC is all about fun. The aim of the club is to produce a fun and safe environment for all children to enjoy learning the beautiful game. If you’re a complete novice, or a long term player, DTYFC will find the right fit for you and will try and help you improve to become the best player and person that you possibly can.
WILL I PLAY ON AN ADULT SIZED PITCH?
This depends on your age. From Under 7 until Under 10, you will play Mini-Soccer, which will be either 5 a side or 7 a side, on a small pitch. At Under 11, you will move to 9 a side, on a slightly bigger pitch. At Under 13, you progress to 11 a side.
WHERE ARE MATCHES PLAYED?
With 30 teams (and growing) we have to make use of several venues for our matches.
CAN GIRLS PLAY?
Of course. All our teams are open to both girls and boys but we also have a growing number of girls only sides.
DOES WINNING MATTER AT ALL COSTS?
Absolutely not. Everybody loves to win, however it is not the be all and end all. As long as everybody enjoys themselves and develops as a player, that’s the most important thing.
ARE THERE RULES ABOUT MY BEHAVIOUR?
Yes, we expect all our players to follow the FA code of conduct. This means that as a player you should play fairly, have fun and respect all others involved in your training and matches.
Football is a team sport and you should encourage your team mates and do your best to help your team and to make it fun for everyone.