New FA Funding Scheme for Male Grassroots Teams
Male grassroots teams given retention boost by new £1m FA funding scheme
A brand new funding scheme is set to aid the retention of adult male teams within grassroots football clubs. The £1 million fund has been created to boost football’s traditional format following a recent decrease in the number of adult male FA-affiliated grassroots league teams.
Retain the Game, which is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation, is offering existing grassroots football clubs grants of £750 to continue offering valued playing opportunities in organised football. These grants will support clubs’ adult male teams in three age categories:
- Under-17 to Under-21
- Open Age
- Veterans
The grants are designed to cover core costs that are incurred by grassroots clubs, including matchday and training facility hire, First Aid training and new Nike kit and equipment through a bespoke voucher.
Eligibility Criteria
The following age groups and club categories are eligible for support;
Clubs that operate with two or more male teams (u/17-u/21, Open Age and Vets) and
- Hold the FA’s Adult Charter Standard Award
- Operate in a Charter Standard Development or Charter Standard Community Club or
- Adult Clubs that commit to become FA Adult Charter Standard within season 2018/19
Should the fund be oversubscribed, clubs that meet the following criteria will be prioritised:
- Clubs in existence for ten or more seasons
- Clubs in existence for between five and nine seasons
- Clubs with three or more adult male teams
- Clubs who operate in leagues employing The FA's 'Full Time' system
The application window for Retain the Game is now open and closes on Wednesday 30 May. Clubs seeking more information or wanting to apply for the programme should either contact their local County FA or visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/retain-the-game.
Aidy Boothroyd, England Under-21s Manager, said: “I am delighted that Retain the Game has been launched. Adult male grassroots football is a fundamental part of the game and financial support provided through this scheme will have a fantastic impact in ensuring high levels of continued participation across the country. I would encourage all eligible teams to apply by visiting the Football Foundation website.”
Retain the Game is inclusive of players from different ethnic backgrounds, faiths and sexual orientations.
This push to reverse the decline in adult male league football follows the recent Grow the Game funding window for 2018, which made £1.5 million available for grassroots clubs looking to create new women and girls or disability football teams. This offer was met by an overwhelming response and it is predicted that this year’s investment will create around 1,000 new female and disability teams in the grassroots game.
Herefordshire FA are keen to discuss and support Retain the Game grants with adult male teams from across Saturday and Sunday football in Herefordshire. This is a great opportunity for your club, get in touch to apply.
Download Elibility Criteria Download Application Guidance