WHAT IS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL?

Whether you’re the next David Beckham in waiting, or simply someone who loves to kick a ball around,  FIFA’s grassroots football programme is open to all. The key idea behind grassroots football is to unite people under the banner of the sport they love, at the same time promoting sportsmanship, human interaction, camaraderie and, for the lucky few their career!

The programme targets both boys and girls from the age of 6 – 12, through community, school and club initiatives. This isn’t the place for complicated training and tactics – this is where the youngsters get to find their feet and discover if they have a love and talent for the game. By employing tactics including smaller pitches and small-side matches, the focus is on fun and skill development initially, which is proving popular with children setting out in the game.

But of course, it’s also about access, and feeling comfortable to participate. FIFA believes the best way of attracting new players to the sport is to give them access to football in their own environment whatever their age, sex, physical condition, skin colour, religion or ethnic origin.

Whilst the aim of grassroots is to promote the sport and give young people enjoyment, this is also the arena where real talent of the future is identified – another reason that the need for improvement was identified.

In August 2015, the Government announced a £260 million investment into grassroots football, with the aim of targeting four key areas, which are:

- Improved facilities and training (it’s an open secret that many pitches are in a chronic state)

- Boosting participation (people need to feel comfortable, welcome and valued – otherwise they either don’t come, or their enthusiasm dies away quickly)

- Improving/training the football workforce

- Developing better players

FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn said at the time, “We know our goals are ambitious, but they’re achievable.” This was echoed by the FA Director for Participation and Development, Kelly Simmons, who said at the time, “It’s an open secret that facilities need to get better. We’ve set out to make that happen by investing in what already exists, and through the creation of city hubs. Our relationship with the Premier League and DCMS through our commitment to the Football Foundation is key to achieving continued improvements.”

The programme is in its early stages, but the signs are looking good. The aim is to have around 3,000 natural pitches across England, plus 150 artificial pitches and 100 all-weather surfaces. Changing rooms will be refurbishes and toilets added to selected sites. Continual professional development for the coaches and volunteers is also underway.

All in all – great news for everyone – from the enthusiastic amateur through to the next generation of footballing talent.

GRASSROOTS STATS

85% of youth teams in England now have a qualified coach (this is nearly 1 million under 16s benefitting from access to these professionals)

5,000 new teams have been formed since 2011

4,000 more girls and women play regularly than 4 years ago.

are playing football regularly in the past two years and this is without the increased profile the England women’s team have brought to the sport.

We have a whole  football section if you require medals for your local teams and matches. We are deeply passionate about our local community, if you have any questions or requests please  contact us.