NEWS
 

Seacroft WMC Colts
 
The Leeds & District FA would like to congratulate Seacroft WMC Colts for their achievement in gaining Charter Standard status.  
 
This was the final stage of a 5 year plan for development at the club and Leeds FA would like to congratulate all who took part in  driving the club to this success. 
 
Whilst this achievement was the culmination  of that particular journey, I am sure that the club will go from strength to strength as it continues to expand on this work over the next years. Congratulations again to all at Seacroft WMC Colts JFC
 
The history of Seacroft WMC Colts is not too different from most Junior clubs. Formed as a singe team back in 1979 by a couple of local parents who had the foresight to attach themselves to the local Working Men’s Club.   Had they known the dynasty they had initiated, they may have had second thoughts
 
Colts has always been run by the parents and local people and prides itself on it’s community spirit. This is demonstrated by people like Jean Pratten who has been involved with the club for as long as anyone can remember filling the roles of  Manager, Coach, Treasurer, Secretary and Chairperson, a remarkable feat considering  Jean has no children involved at the club.

County Chairman Bob Secker (left) presents Paul Gorman (Chairman) and Jean Pratten (Secretary) with the Charter Community Award
 
The advent of the F.A Charter Standard  set Junior football clubs on a new journey and one Colts were quick to join. Having applied back in December 03 for Charter Standard they were surprised to be awarded Development Club status, the main objective of a 5 year development  plan realised within a year!
 
The plan outlined a shift from success being measured by games won to one where player development become the main aim of the club. To ensure this was achieved two things happened. The club developed it’s own Coaching Development programme that  measures each players development through a range of skills tests, secondly Level 2 coaches were employed from season commencing 06/07 to work with all age groups with the aim of  delivering the programme.

We were successful in our application back in 2006 to become the local 3 Lions Club working with WRCFA to develop both girls and disability football working within our local schools and community. This initiative continues to thrive and we are expecting to deliver a range of activities for local youngsters during the holiday periods.

December 07 saw the final piece of the 5 year plan with the award of Community Club status. An enormous amount of work went into setting up the policies, procedures and practice that was required to meet the required standards. A large number of people supported our efforts, some may not have even be aware!

The last couple of years have seen a rapid development of the club. the Girls development group set up from the 3 Lions Scheme continues to flourish, we have a couple of disabled players enjoying football at the club, boys and girls age groups playing football through from 7 to 17. We have continued to develop links with local schools, explored development opportunities with Leeds City Council for new facilities and harnessed a relationship with WRCFA Football Development that will continue to see the expansion of the club.

While we all reflect on the fantastic achievements over the last 5 years this would be an appropriate  time to thank all the parents, players, staff and sponsors who have been involved both in the  past  and present. Without you there is no club and we look forward to continued development as the  community football for Seacroft and surrounding areas