The FA are aiming to achieve a more child centred culture for clubs and players and, towards the end of last year, were looking for clubs across the country to use as case studies to highlight some of the positive practice already in place - and asked Pride Park to participate in a case study with the University of Chichester.

As we try hard t put the players at the centre of what we do, we were happy to help and our u12 (now u13) Lionesses took part. As part of the study the University spoke to three representatives of the club/committee, three players’ parents and five or six players.

The County FA then came along to a session to interview CWO Karen Kitahara and team manager Gary Hill on camera, and to take some film of the team training.

The case study video was initially intended for use at an FA Safeguarding conference held at St George’s Park, but subsequently evolved into discussions in relation to a bigger piece on ‘Listening to Children’ - which is the theme of „Play Safe” this year.

Karen, Gary and the Lionesses did a great job and the finished video and case study (attached) really show the u13 Lionesses, and the wider club, in a great light and reflect our philosophy perfectly. Our thanks go to all the players and parents that were also interviewed as part of the case study.