Norrie McCathie Benevolent Fund

NMBF Join

All of the 'Norries' coaches give their time on a voluntary basis, consistent with the ethos of the Benevolent Fund. Coaching methods and programmes are primarily the responsibility of Graeme Robertson, who's full time role is as Head of Youth Development at Livingston FC. Graeme heads a team of qualified coaches who are encouraged to continually upgrade their coaching qualifications under the SFA. All of our coaches are fully disclosure-checked, under UK child protection legislation and SYFA requirements.

NMBF Ethos

For the youngest kids, coaching begins at age six or seven, as part of a 'participation' group, in which the emphasis is on fostering basic technical skills and ball control, improving physical co-ordination, and encouraging the development of natural athletic abilities. Players' progress is monitored by the coaches to ensure that all aspects of their development are being addressed, with the introduction of match play in a fun, non-competitive environment.

From the age of eight, children who have shown the necessary application and ability are invited to join the Norrie McCathie Development Squads, where ongoing coaching of the technical aspects is supplemented by a higher intensity and frequency of general athletic activity. From this age on, the squads participate in regular matches, with other teams from Fife and beyond. Such matches are played in a controlled, non-threatening environment, as part of the Fife or Edinburgh Sevens, or Fife Development League (for 11 year olds and older). Between the ages of eight and thirteen, matches remain 'non-competitive', in that they are not part of a 'points-winning' league structure, aiming to maintain the emphasis on developing technical skills and encouraging every child to achieve his or her full potential.

All of the players' and coaches' efforts between ages eight and eleven lead to one of the highlights of any player's experience with the 'Norries' . In their Under-12 year, they travel to Holland, to participate in the Haarlem Cup, which is part of the World Youth Friendship Games . This is a week - long tournament, in which the squad competes with teams from Europe and further afield . The event is an invaluable learning experience, in terms of the player's football and social development. The 'Norries' have taken part in the last four tournaments and the Haarlem Cup has become an essential part of every player's 'Norries' experience, in their Under-12 year.

The Benevolent Fund bears the costs for all players travel to Holland for this tournament, confirming the importance which we place on the event as part of our players' development. However, with average costs of over £500 per player, the total cost to the Fund is approximately £8,000 per squad. And in 2007, when both the 1991s and 1996s squad will be participating, the total cost to the Fund is over £17,000.

 If you have any further questions regarding the Fund or the Squads, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07831 774011.