Frequently Asked Questions

Logistics & Equipment

Where and when do you train?

For details of our training times and locations, please see the training and match fees section of the website

Where and when do you play?

Boys/mixed teams play on Sunday’s and Girls teams play on Saturdays. All home matches are played local to Horsforth.

How much does it cost?

Our fees for boys teams is £240 and for Girls teams £140 per season, payable by manageable instalments.

What equipment does my child need?

All children MUST wear shin pads to training and matches. Our Club insurance in invalidated if this isn’t adhered to, so children without shin pads will not be allowed to train or play in matches. These MUST be proper shin pads, not the new very small type that provide no protection.

We advise on moulded studs boots for training and matches. Metal studs are not allowed on the 3G training facilities provided to us, and are also considered dangerous by the Club.

What happens in bad weather?

Dress your child appropriately when the weather is cold - base layers, hats, gloves and a warm coat are essential. When it is raining, a waterproof raincoat is also required.

We will only cancel train if our facilities providers close their 3G training pitches. Usually, this only happens when there is a layer of snow or ice, and almost never due to rain or wind. The Club will let parents know on the morning of the training session, via the CLub’s Spond app, if training is cancelled for any reason.

Code of Conduct

General Conduct

At Horsforth JFC we expect the very highest standards of conduct from all our players, coaches, referees and parents. This means not reacting to any unsavoury comments you overhear from any players, parents and coaches, and walking away from any confrontation. These types of situations will be dealt with in the right way by the referees and coaches at the Club.

Players

Must be respectful to their team mates, opposition players, coaches and referees at all times. Abusive or bullying behaviour both verbal or physical, will not be tolerated.

Parents

As a parent at HJFC, how should I behave at matches?

You will keep quiet while the ball is in play - nothing should be audible by the players, referee or coaches while the ball is in play. This let’s the kids play without pressure, and let’s them make their own decisions about when to pass, when to shoot etc. Coaching them on where to stand, what to do and when, is the coaches job - leave them to it (or or join the coaching team!)

To support your child and team, we suggest you will limit your audible support to ‘well done Horsforth/team name/player/opposition team/opposition number’, and only when the ball is out of play

You will not question ANY referee decisions, and will not call for off-sides, throw-ins or fowls. Refereeing is the most difficult job on the pitch as it is, without additional pressure form parents. There is a national shortage of referees and they are leaving in droves to to the pressures and abuse they receive. Do your part, and make the referee feel confident he or she can referee HJFC matches without added pressure or opinion.

Parents must not, under any circumstances, enter the field of play unless given permission by the referee. Failure to adhere to this will result in a three month ban from matches.

Parental Responsibilities

What information do I need to provide about my child?

For safeguarding purposes, we need at least two contact details of parents or guardians to contact in an emergency. Also any medical conditions such allergies or asthma, as well as any neuro-diverse conditions which may impact your child at matches or training.

Do I need to stay at training and matches?

Parents must not treat our football club as free child care. At all age groups upto primery school, we expect parents or someone responsible for your child to be available at both training and matches. Injures do happen in football, and we expect a parent or guardian to be available should a child be injured and need to be taken away or to the hospital.

Can I delegate my guardianship to another parent?

Yes - if there is another parent at training who knows they are responsible for your child, that is acceptable

Positive support from the sidelines

All of our teams enjoy the support of parents and guardians on match day. Whether our teams are winning or losing, it’s great to see as many people as possible coming along to support our teams.

The FA publish a simple set of guidelines for supporters as part of their code of conduct. The emphasis on match day is to create a positive environment for all the players on the pitch and play your part in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for everyone.