Who we are

The FA aims to make football accessible to anyone and everyone who wishes to play the game. Developing the game and making it accessible are the underlying aims of the variety of projects outlined throughout this site. These projects are delivered by a dedicated team, namely the Football Development Division.

Working closely with the County FAs, The FA aims to develop football for both current and future generations throughout the country.

The FA is investing between £25 and £30 million a year into the grassroots game. A big part of our job here is ensuring that that money stretches as far as possible across the game. This is achieved through strategic investment and development strategies.

The key objectives are as follows;

Raising Standards through the Charter Standard programme, in both club and school football. The FA runs a series of support programmes for clubs and schools, the goal being to raise participation through quality schemes.

Improving Facilities – Addressing the widespread problem of inadequate facilities through investment, channelled through the Football Foundation.

Developing Football Administration  - Increasing non-playing participation in football and supporting the volunteer workforce. Further, a custom-designed IT system, The County Administration System (CAS) is being installed throughout the County FAs. This will be a huge step towards linking the football community, facilitating administration for clubs, leagues and County FAs

Developing Girl's and Women’s football – Continuing to promote the  rapidly growing female game and raise both standards and profile

Developing leagues, clubs and competitions – Supporting the lower levels of the professional and amateur games through administration and financial assistance

There are countless opportunities to get involved in local football. Increasing awareness of these is of paramount importance to The Football Development Division going forward.

As well as the National Managers based at Soho Square and the director of Football Development, Trevor Brooking, the various strategies are delivered throughout the country by regional teams. There are regionally based teams for Facility development and Football Development. In addition, each of the County FAs has a designated Football Development Officer. A combined effort at all these different levels will ensure that the game continues to grow.

To download a copy of The Football Development Strategy click here.