The Guernsey Football Association’s (GFA) programme of community activity continues to be an important element in the overall delivery strategy and one that has proven to be popular within the local school and football communities.

This programme is delivered in partnership with Deloitte, the professional services firm has supported the GFA for over 12 years. As well as becoming the GFA’s community partner, Deloitte once again continues its sponsorship of the Deloitte Corbet Cup. 

The partnership also supports the GFA workforce to provide teaching and mentoring to young adults on the BTEC Sports Studies course at the Guernsey College of Further Education.

The long-term sponsorship also helps to sustain the delivery of a coach and volunteer education programme within the local game.

When reviewing last season's community programme, Gary Roberts, Chief Executive of the GFA commented: ‘The GFA relies on support from sponsors and having the kind of long-term support and commitment that Deloitte has shown, allows us to plan and deliver the best possible services for the local community.

'Over the last 12 years, Deloitte has been a superb partner of the GFA and last season we were able to expand our programme of activity within local primary schools as a direct result of this partnership. 

'We delivered after-school clubs for school years 3 and 4, along with girls specific sessions for years 1 and 2.  

'We were able to offer physical activity in the form of football coaching in thirteen different schools and to over 500 children in the first year of the programme.

'This culminated in a festival of football at the end of last season, and we're looking forward to this highlight again next summer.'

The GFA staff also continued to support students on the BTEC Sports Studies course throughout the academic year. During the academic year ahead, the GFA will again offer after-school sessions to all of Guernsey’s primary schools and hopes to expand on delivery by introducing additional girls only sessions in years 3 and 4.

'Deloitte is delighted to know that our ongoing sponsorship has such a positive impact on so many local children and young people,' said David Becker from Deloitte.

'Between the Deloitte Corbet Cup and the community activity, the GFA is encouraging hundreds of young islanders to enjoy a sport and learn about the benefits of being active.'

Angus Mackay, GFA Football Development Officer, added: ‘Deloitte’s support for the work of the GFA continues to be of great value. While the children recognise the football element of what we deliver through our after-school sessions, it is the hidden element of physical literacy and activity that is arguably the key aspect of this programme.

'Naturally we hope that children enjoy the football games and training and that they regularly participate in the sport within a school and local clubs, but it is the work to ensure every child recognises and understands the value of being physically active that is most important.

'We focus on creating a positive learning environment in which, the children are comfortable to take risks and communicate with each other and the coaches. The benefit of encouraging players to take risks is that they can try new things and develop new skills, rather than being restricted and controlled by the coach.

'We also focus on helping the children remain confident, with a specific focus on positive reinforcement for good effort, play and behaviour, instead of criticising negative responses or mistakes. 

'Both Joelle (GFA Women & Girls Development Officer) and I are looking forward to working with the schools once again this year and continuing to support the many children who get to enjoy these opportunities courtesy of Deloitte.