Phoenix Allstars

Phoenix Allstars is a football inclusion programme for males and females of all abilities. We have an open age for all, up to and including 16 years.

Phoenix Allstars is a new initiative and, whilst the programme currently caters for players up to and including the age of 16, if it proves successful, consideration may be given to introducing an additional adult section in the future.

All abilities are welcome, including players with SEND needs or a disability. However, whilst this introduction makes reference to additional needs, SEND and disability, Phoenix Allstars is an inclusion programme for everyone. We already have players with no additional needs who simply enjoy playing football, developing their skills and being part of the game. Everybody is welcome.

This programme is designed to give everybody an equal opportunity to participate in the greatest sport in the world.

Lead coaches are qualified and DBS checked. Whilst sessions are training-based and designed to provide a non-competitive, fun environment and to encourage participation and enjoyment, the aim of the coaches is also to improve every player’s football skills, physical fitness and ability throughout their sessions.

Phoenix Allstars is solely training-based. Training sessions will consist of a variety of drills and activities designed to be fun whilst helping players develop and enhance their football skills. For drills and structured activities, players may be split into smaller groups according to their skill level, ability or age, as deemed appropriate by the coaches.

Sessions may also include open matches, giving players of different ages and abilities the opportunity to play together in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Whilst there may be opportunities for Phoenix Allstars to play against other teams in the future, any team selected for a fixture will be based on the suitability of individual players in relation to the level and ability of the opposition.

We hope to offer opportunities to play games in the future; however, the primary focus of Phoenix Allstars is training and player development. There should be no expectation that joining Phoenix Allstars will mean joining a league or taking part in regular competitive fixtures.

Players are asked to wear suitable footwear for playing on grass and, where possible, shin pads. If your child does not have shin pads, please speak to the lead coach.

During the winter months, sessions will take place under floodlights. As the nights become colder, all players should be appropriately dressed for the conditions, including warm clothing and waterproofs when required. We all know from experience that good old English weather conditions can change quickly, so please ensure players arrive suitably prepared for the weather on the day.

Parents and carers should remain on site throughout sessions unless otherwise agreed by the lead coaches. All players must be collected at the end of the session, and no player will be permitted to leave of their own accord to travel home unless explicitly agreed by the coaches in advance.

Toilets are available for children on site in the Jubilee Centre. However, any child who requires support when using the toilet will need to be taken and assisted by their parent or carer.

Players with bespoke or additional needs are asked to complete a Player Passport. This helps our coaches understand each player’s individual needs and how we can best support and care for your child during their time with Phoenix Allstars.

For children with more complex needs, there may be occasions when a parent or carer is required to assist their child during the session. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis and discussed with the parent or carer in consultation with the lead coaches. However, our standard approach is for all players to participate in the sessions and engage directly with our coaches, regardless of any additional needs, with appropriate support provided where required.

Please note that all of our coaches are volunteers who give their time to share their passion for football with players and the wider community.

Phoenix Allstars is registered and insured with Bedfordshire FA. The initiative is run by Phoenix Football, which is the home of Phoenix Women and Girls, an all-female football club for women and girls.

Phoenix Women and Girls has talented players and teams competing across different levels of the game, including the Junior Premier League, local Bedfordshire leagues and women’s leagues.

When you join Phoenix Allstars, you become part of the wider Phoenix family. We encourage our players, parents and carers to support one another. All Phoenix Allstars players and their families are welcome to attend matches involving any Phoenix team and support our teams whenever possible.

Phoenix Allstars is an entirely free initiative funded by Phoenix Football. To help with the growth and long-term sustainability of the programme, we encourage parents and carers to help seek sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorship will help us provide Phoenix Allstars players with personalised kits and training jackets, as well as contribute towards future training equipment and other resources. This support will help us continue to develop Phoenix Allstars and ensure it remains a sustainable and accessible programme for the future.

Thank you for supporting Phoenix Allstars. As you will see, our coaches love the game and the joy that football can bring. We look forward to sharing that passion with our players and families and to building a successful future for Phoenix Allstars together.