North Area News

November 6, 2013: County Cup Draws

The next rounds for the County Cups can be viewed here .

November 6 , 2013: Latest Devon FA Newsletter

The latest Devon FA Newsletter can now be read here .

October 30, 2013: Girls' Football Kicks Off

Bideford AFC Youth in conjunction with Bideford Ladies have started girls' football for girls aged 8-18.  Training is at Bideford College Astro on a Thursday evening 7-8pm and players of all abilities are welcome. There has been an amazing turn out with over 30 girls of all ages wanting to be taught the right technique, skill and the correct way to play football. said Head Coach Pete North. "Bideford Ladies Manager Mark Lewis and the Ladies coaches have been putting on really enjoyable sessions on and I'm sure this has resulted in this great participation rate." The Bideford AFC Girls' Squad will be playing their first games on 10th November. They will be travelling by coach to Bristol Academy for friendly matches and a social afternoon.

September 24, 2013: First Under 18 Game of the Season

The first under 18 game was played in the Westcountry Cleaning League sponsored by Petroc on Sunday 22nd September, with Bideford AFC Youth coming out 6-3 winners against SAS Barnstaple in a thoroughly entertaining match. It looked like it would be a tough game for Bideford when Barum raced into an early 2-0 lead. However once the Robins found their wings they pulled it back to lead 6-2 with Barnstaple scoring a third near the end. Scorers for Bideford were Ryan Peters (3), Ben Radcliffe, Billy Taylor and Charlie Allman. Pete North (Head Coach of Bideford AFC Youth and League Under 18 Development Officer) said " It has been hard work getting this new league started, but hopefully it will grow year-on-year to bridge the gap between under 16 and men's football." North, who was Devon FA Coach of the Year in 2012 has been working with Petroc and The Westcountry Cleaning League Committee to provide what he believes is a logical step. "I'm an advocate of players going through under-18s to men's football. Even training is a big step up from Junior to Adult football. Some of the big players can hold their own but some won't be able to make the step up yet and under-18s is the best pathway for them."
The Under 18 League consists of Teams from Bideford AFC, Barnstaple Town, SAS Barnstaple, Bideford College Academy with Petroc and Barnstaple FC joining after the winter break.

September 15, 2013: Torridge Cup Draw

The first draw for the Torridge Cup can be viewed on the cups page.

August 12, 2013: North Cornwall Cup win for Bideford AFC U14s

Bideford AFC Under 14s have emerged as Champions in the prestigious North Cornwall Cup Tournament. The North Cornwall Cup has become one of the largest and most recognised football events in the South West, with touring sides taking the opportunity to combine competitive small sided football with a family holiday. Only conceding one goal in the whole tournament and without losing a single game, the Robins faced Billing United, one of largest youth setups in Northamptonshire in the final. With neither team able to break the deadlock a nervy penalty shootout ensued before the silverware could be lifted. With the 5 penalty takers having completed their duties and the scores still even at 4 each. 6 more sudden death penalties were taken with much nail biting before the reds could finally celebrate. Mark Floyd, Bideford Under 14 Manager was keen to praise the attitude of the players. "It has been a long day, and we have had some tough battles, the boys have shown great spirit and fully deserve their victory. I would like to thank the organisers of this excellent tournament for what is a very well run event, we are always made really welcome here and look forward to coming back and defending our title in 2014."Club Secretary Neil Blackburn said, "It is a great result for the Under 14s and reflects the hard work of the coaches and the commitment of the players. It caps a very successful season on and off the pitch for the Club as a whole. We are now looking forward to the new season with increased opportunities for new players and with additional teams as the club grows."

August 11, 2013: New FA Coaches for Bideford Youth

No less than 14 new coaches from Bideford AFC Youth have just passed the FA Level one assessment with Devon FA. The qualification will allow them to take training sessions at the Charter Standard Club, and in many cases with their own adult teams as well. The course and assessment took place at Westcroft School during the first two weeks of August. Head Coach Peter North was delighted with the level of interest from adults wanting to be part of Bideford AFC Youth, and also the 100% pass rate. " The Club is totally dependent on volunteers and we select people very carefully to work with youngsters. I am delighted that there is so much interest in coaching and that they want to be part of our progressive Club.  We are trying hard to drive up standards in line with FA guidance: For example, coaching ratios are very important when working with young players, we always ensure that there are at least two qualified coaches per squad of around 16-18 children. This will now allow us to improve that ratio even further and to bring on new teams in the future. We are really pleased with the number of female coaches and also young coaches who will be excellent role models for aspiring players." Neil Blackburn, Club Secretary added "I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Westcroft School who have provided the facilities to us at cost, and also to Torridge District Council and Devon FA who have provided financial support. The ultimate beneficiaries will be the young players in Bideford and Torridge who will benefit from the quality training opportunities as the coaches apply their skills." Bideford AFC Youth is currently starting football teams for girls: interested players should contact Pete North on 01237 478840 or pjnorth44@gmail.com

August 8, 2013: Bideford Youth - Girls Football Kicks Off

Girl's football has kicked off at The Robins as Bideford Ladies join forces with Bideford AFC Youth. The new junior squads will train on Thursdays with training at Westcroft School for 7 to 16 year olds on Thursdays from 6 until 7.30. The first get together will be on the 29th August and all girls are welcome.  From the 19th September, training will move to Bideford College Astro from 7 until 8, also on a Thursday. anyone is welcome to turn up and have a go. those that choose to commit to joini will be provided with home and away playing kit. Bideford AFC Youth is Devon's 2013 Charter Standard Club of the Year and is supported by Torridge District Council, Bideford and Northam Town Councils and by Devon FA. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Pete North on 01237 278840 pjnorth44@gmail.com or Vanessa Saunders on 01237 424630

July 13, 2013: Bideford Youth - Charter Standard Club of the Year

Bideford AFC Youth have been presented with the prestigious Charter Standard Club of the Year award by Devon FA at the annual awards ceremony in Newton Abbott. A judges panel comprising senior FA officials decided to recognise Bideford AFC Youth with the award for upholding high standards of development and good practice in delivery. The Club ensures that there are at least two qualified coaches for each squad of no more than 20 players. Training sessions are based on a consistent, child centred development programme based on the FA four corner model covering technical, physical, psychological and social aspects. The achievement of this award is even more remarkable due to the fact that Bideford AFC Youth was only formed 2 seasons ago, and already has around 100 children enjoying football in its ranks. "We are very honoured to receive this award, and the credit belongs to the coaches, parents, players and officials who work hard for the benefit of all. We are particularly grateful to Torridge District Council and to Bideford and Northam Town Councils who have given us tremendous support in establishing the Club". The Club, who train on Thursday evenings are now looking to establish girls' teams by working in partnership with Bideford Ladies FC. Any girls who are interested in finding out more about Bideford AFC Youth can contact Head Coach Pete North on 01237 478840 (H) or 07543 827224 (M). You can also email pjnorth44@gmail.com or Vanessa Saunders on 01237 424630 (H) or 07791 335946 (M)

Photo is of Head Coach Peter North, Devon FA Chairman Bernard Leach, Bideford AFC Youth President Cllr Roger Johnson, Chairman Bob lovelace and Secretary Neil Blackburn.

June 17, 2013: Bideford AFC Youth Charter Standard Award

Bideford AFC Youth Football Club are celebrating after qualifying for the FA Charter Standard Development Club Status, only 24 months after establishing Youth Football at The Sports Ground. The prestigious award will be presented by The FA in July.
 
The Football Association Charter Standard scheme recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football. The kitemark is awarded to clubs that are well run, sustainable, which place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount. Development Club status requires coaches to have additional qualifications. The Club must have an agreed 3 to 5 year development plan and a minimum of five youth teams across four age groups.

Bideford AFC Youth Head Coach Pete North was delighted that the Club has been recognised so soon. “ We have put a lot of work in, to try and do things well, and in line with FA best practice. In the Club development plan, we have addressed areas such as good coaching ratios, coach development and working to a coaching program. Whilst we are all volunteers, we want to do the best for the young players to ensure that they enjoy their football in a safe and progressive environment. Having achieved the FA Charter Standard last season, it is a natural progression for us to achieve the Development Club Status and we are pleased to have been recognized by the FA in this way”.

Secretary Neil Blackburn was keen to praise those that support the Club. " Torridge District Council and Bideford Town Council have been brilliant with their practical help and they can see how much this is benefiting young people in the Town. We are also very grateful to the sponsors that have put their hands in their pockets including Torridge, Bideford and Northam Town Councils and also the private donors. There is also a growing army of volunteers without which we would not be able to function. It is great to receive this recognition but we are already looking to the future and ensuring that we grow the Club in a sustainable way."

April 28, 2013: Bideford AFC Youth host Under 8s festival

Bideford AFC Youth have hosted the end of season Westcountry Cleaning North Devon Youth League under 8s festival. The event, held at Bideford College was considered to be a huge success with around 80 players taking part from around North Devon. Under 8s do not now play in Leagues, but instead take part in "round robin" festivals that focus on enjoyment, player development and coaching correct techniques. Neil Blackburn Bideford AFC Youth Secretary explained "This way, the youngsters can enjoy the game, whilst they are learning. In line with the FA Youth Strategy they are encouraged to build good foundations based on physical, psychological, social and technical development without the pressure that League tables can bring." Bideford AFC under 8s coach Gary Bedler, himself an ex-Bideford player said "There was some excellent football played today from all teams. Clearly there is some great ability and the future of football in North Devon is looking very good. The event has been well supported and we would like to extend our thanks to all those that have come along and to those that have assisted." The teams that took part were Bideford AFC Youth, Bideford Blues and Appledore, Barnstaple, West Buckland, Braunton and South Molton , Every player who took part received a medal, presented by The Westcountry Cleaning North Devon Youth League. Drinks and fresh fruit were provided courtesy of Tesco Bideford.

March 19, 2013: Important Advice from Devon FA regarding the use of social media

Important advice has just been issued by Devon FA regarding the use of social media -

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