Does my league or competition qualify for help?

All leagues are able to purchase equipment and/or arrange an internet account through the FA. Regarding financial assistance however, we are only able to help just over 50% of leagues in the first year but intend to help the others in 2003 when more funding may be available. To qualify for help in 2002 your league must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Must be County FA or FA affiliated.
  • Must not be in the National League System (seperate grant-aid schemes are already in place here).
  • Must be 11-a-side.
  • Must be non-profit making.
  • Must have 40 teams or more in the current season.
  • Must be intending to use the WONFAS system, if not already.

The three examples below show how leagues of different sizes are affected:

League A administers 120 teams. This league will be entitled to 120 x £10 grant, i.e. £1200. However, the maximum grant available is £800, and this league will therefore be entitled to a free laptop computer.

League B administers 65 teams. This league will be entitled to 65 x £10 grant, i.e. £650. This league will be entitled to a laptop computer for £150, and should enclose a cheque for this amount with their application.

League C administers 25 teams. This league does not have enough teams to qualify for a grant (40) but can purchase laptop computers for £800, and should enclose a cheque for the appropriate amount with their application.

How will the process work?

An application form must be sent, together with a cheque for the balance if necessary, to their local County FA. The County will verify the application and forward it to The FA. The FA will then process the application and send the hardware out to leagues as soon as possible.

What is the specification of the computer?

Suppliers will vary according to the best deal we can find at the time but the specification will be typically some thing like: Celeron 900, 128Mb, 14.1" TFT, 10Gb, 56k Modem, Windows ME, Microsoft Office XP SBE, 1 Year Collect and Return Warranty, Carry Case.

Who is responsible for insurance?

The league will own the equipment so the league will be responsible for its insurance. The purchase price is £800 and the approximate value of the equipment is £1,000.

Will any software be pre-loaded?

The WONFAS league administration software is web-based, so there is no need to pre-load it, although the system home page will be configured to appear as soon as the machine is switched on. It is also equipped with Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition to assist your league work.

How do I connect to the Internet?

The FA has negotiated a 'flat-rate' deal of £14.99 per month for unlimited calls through Nildram, an internet service provider (ISP). This is available to all leagues even if you do not qualify for grant aid. If you wish to take up the offer, indicate this on your application form in section 3. The equipment will then be configured with a Nildram account and you will be billed directly from them monthly. There is no minimum fixed term unlike some other ISPs so you are free to cancel at any time, and the account can be used from any telephone line, allowing you to work in any location. Nildram will also provide a local-rate (many others are 50p per min), 24 hour support service for your account. You may also set up more than one account for other league officers if required. More general information is available from Nildram.

What if I already have an internet service provider (ISP)?

You do not have to use the FA's recommended ISP (Nildram), although you should be aware that as this is a web-based system call charges may be high and your league will be responsible for those bills. This is the reason that the FA has negotiated a deal of £14.99 per month for unlimited calls through Nildram. If you are happy with your current ISP however, please indicate this on the form and your machine will not be configured with a Nildram account.

Can I use the equipment for non-football purposes?

Yes, if those purposes comply with the terms and conditions that you will receive with the equipment. We not want to prevent ‘external’ uses but clearly there are some uses of computer hardware that could be a risk to either software security or cause damage. The terms and conditions document will accompany the equipment, and will need to be signed and returned to the FA. For your information the main terms are summarised below:

  • The League will use the equipment to access WONFAS and administer its football operations.
  • The League will not do anything that might damage the software, including the use of pirated software.
  • The League will ensure that the equipment is not removed from its care by any of its members.
  • The League agrees to maintain insurance of the equipment. If the FA becomes aware that the League has not utilised the equipment to access WONFAS and administer its football operations, the FA retains the right to demand repayment of any grant it has made.

What if something goes wrong with the equipment?

Contact the FA helpdesk and we will try to resolve the problem. Details will be provided with the equipment. For more serious faults the equipment is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty that enables an engineer to visit you and fix the fault. If the equipment is stolen or lost, you must report this immediately to the FA helpdesk and inform your insurer as normal.

Can I purchase equipment from elsewhere to use for WONFAS?

Yes, the software has been designed for use on any computer with internet access. If a league already has suitable equipment or would prefer to buy locally, that is fine. However, you can only apply for grant aid if the equipment is being purchased through the FA.

Will a printer be provided?

We are not able to provide a printer but the machine will be compatible with all commonly used models, and inexpensive printers are widely available should you wish to buy one.

When can I expect to receive the equipment?

From your submission of the form to delivery of equipment, assuming all details are correct and your application is approved, should take no more than 28 days. There may be some initial delays initially due to the expected high demand.

Where do I send the form?

Send the form when completed to your PARENT County Association (or to the National Leagues Manager at the FA if you are FA sanctioned). They will complete the final section and your application will be processed.

How do I receive some WONFAS training?

Contact the WONFAS helpdesk on 0870 112 1966 or info@TheFA.com to arrange a suitable time and venue.

How can I find out more about WONFAS?

Information on the project and other ways that the FA is helping leagues is available on TheFA.com, or direct from the FA itself.