SCL Developing the link

Developing the Links

Elements of a Link

It is recognised that no two links will be the same, and typically School Club Links each has differing aims, due to the different aspirations of the school and club involved and the reasons they wish to establish a link. For this reason, a Links Menu here >> has been devised, which can be used as a prompt for elements of the link, alongside the Ideas for a link document? (Please note, this list is not exhaustive). This links menu may be used to support the school club link agreement.

Developing a new link

Once contact has been made the link can be developed.

A quick win for the school could be could be to share coaches expertise at joint activities (e.g. festivals) and finding welcoming, positive ways to introduce young people to the club environment (e.g. taster days, meet and greet sessions, assemblies)

A quick win for the club could be distributing leaflets at the school on their quality activities, arranging a visit to the school or developing links to the clubs website.

Developing an existing link (examples available here>>)

If a link already exists, schools and clubs should consider reviewing the link, asking questions such as - What has happened? How are we measuring progress? Is the link High Quality? Does it meet young peoples needs? Who is NOT participating? What has been the success / impact? What improvements can be made?

Schools and clubs with existing links may also wish to use the Links Menu.

Action plan

Whether creating a new link or reviewing an existing link it is important that both parties are involved in planning how the link will develop over the next 12 months, sharing ideas and expectations. The suggested way to achieve this and to agree priorities and actions is to use theAction Plan here>> template.

When developing a link, it is essential that both the school and the club are flexible to each others needs, and recognise the needs of the young people. During this phase parties should consider whether they wish to formalise the link. This will enable the link to be sustained over the long term.