Aim of the scheme
The scheme aims to increase participation by both players and volunteers in grass roots football by supporting the cost associated with providing new activity
Grant ceiling
Funding of up to £9,000 is available for projects costing up to £10,000. Percentage support varies, but will not exceed 90% of the total project cost.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from community groups, youth clubs, football clubs and education establishments. The Foundation also seeks to encourage applications from groups whose income is less than £15,000 per annum.
Who cannot apply?
Individuals and profit making organisations cannot apply.
What the Foundation looks for
Applicants should...
comply with the aim of the scheme, clearly stating what the objectives are and how they are going to achieve them
ensure that all costs within the application relate to new activity
set out the details of activity already provided and what new activity will be delivered if funding is secured
outline how many individuals the group currently engage (of which age and gender) and how many new participants (of which age and gender) they aim to attract
identify partnership funding
provide all appropriate supporting documentation
demonstrate partnership working. This is encouraged so that projects do not work in isolation but link to other initiatives where appropriate
demonstrate how the project will continue after Foundation funding ceases
The Foundation encourages
projects conducted over a three year period
projects aimed at engaging traditionally excluded groups, such as black and minority ethnic communities, women and girls and disabled groups
the introduction of new lunchtime/after school clubs which lead to inter school competition
the introduction of new age groups to a Club
level One/Level Two coaching courses delivered as part of a wider programme which support the introduction of new teams/delivery of new activity
projects that work towards integrating new players into a league/competition
The Foundation funds
Training courses
For example, each new team, or group of players, could aim to get two people qualified as coaches. It is also advisable to recruit volunteers to undertake refereeing courses.
Hire of FA qualified coaches
For each new team whilst volunteers are undertaking coaching qualifications, it may be necessary for the club / group to hire an external coach (your County Football Association can help identify potential coaches and provide details of relevant costs). Once volunteers complete their courses it is anticipated that the cost of coach hire will reduce in each year as volunteers will be qualified to undertake coaching duties.
Hire of qualified/affiliated referees
If you wish to enter your teams into leagues you will be required to provide referees. Until volunteers are qualified, it is often necessary for groups to request funding to pay for referees. Please talk to your league about their requirements in this area.
Facility hire
You can include facility hire for both training and matches.
Affiliation
You can include both league and County Football Association affiliation for new teams established through this project.
Publicity and promotion
This can be in the form of getting leaflets printed, advertising in local press and printing posters.
Recruitment events
The Foundation is able to fund events that lead to regular activity. For example, you could hold a taster day and provide people with free coaching sessions, or you could run a small tournament to introduce new participants to your group. If part of your grant is to be used for organised events, the Foundation’s contribution can only be used for facility, coach and referee hire and not insurance, refreshments, equipment, trophies, certificates or similar.
First aid kits
We would look to fund one first aid for each new team established through this project.
Travel expenses
The Foundation can offer a contribution to essential travel costs for players and volunteers.
ALL COSTS MUST RELATE TO NEW ACTIVITY
The Foundation does not fund
Groups which have received Foundation funding in the last 3 years (with the exception of Junior Kit Scheme, Goalpost Safety Scheme and Capital projects under £20,000)
projects with a total cost exceeding £10,000
retrospective or existing work
curriculum time activity other than for Special Education Needs (SEN) groups
projects based solely on coach education
education resources – i.e videos/workshops/exhibitions
permanent employment of Officers (posts)
purchase of/contribution to mini buses
capital improvements (including goal posts)
IT equipment
applications which have the sole aim of achieving FA Charter Standard
travel costs to watch matches
projects based on performance and excellence
insurance, registration, consultant fees or administration costs
mixed football aged 11+
end of season presentations, trophies etc
annual or one-off events that do not lead to regular activity
overseas travel and expenses.
For more information and an Application Form please click here.