AFC Tickton

The issue of Player Poaching, which is the practice of team managers/coaches or officials approaching young players from other teams and their parents directly and trying to persuade them to switch teams, is becoming increasingly widespread.

Players being poached to join supposedly better teams or clubs with the promise of more facilities and better chances of winning.

We at AFC Tickton wish to make it clear that we are firmly against this practice and do not allow any of our managers to recruit players in this way. Furthermore, if we discover any club or team doing this, we will report the club and the individual to the appropriate league and football association.

At any junior age group, and especially the small-sided teams, the emphasis for all of our members should be on having fun, playing football with their team mates and most importantly, enjoying the game. Winning and losing are all part of the game and learning to deal with these with magnanimity is an important life lesson and every bit as important as learning the skills to be an excellent sportsperson.

The FA Respect Campaign covers many areas of the game and is aimed primarily at the players and spectator behaviour during a game. However, we believe consideration for others, especially other local clubs, where members of different clubs go to the same schools, is a big part of the campaign and consideration for other managers trying to manage their teams and make it enjoyable for all members is crucial to the future development of the game.

If you are subject to, or aware of any players who have been subject to poaching from other sides then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our committee to discuss the situation.

As a club ALL the staff bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Each member of staff will play their part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times.