What is The FA Small Sided Football Development Fund?

This is a £500k fund specifically targeted at supporting the growth of small sided football in England. Small Sided Football has grown immensely fast in recent years and The FA are keen for this to continue.  Projects submitted to the fund must seek to deliver the following small sided formats – 4v4, 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, Futsal or Beach Soccer.

The FA SSF Development Fund is particularly focused on attracting new adult players into football, or encouraging those players that have dropped out of the 11-a-side game to continue playing in the small sided formats of the game. The Development Fund is looking for innovative and unique small sided football projects to support.  Applicants for this fund need to be FA affiliated small sided football providers.

How much can I apply for?

Projects can apply for a maximum of £10,000 in financial support from the Development Fund, although applicants are encouraged where possible to secure partnership funding to support the project costs. The total project cost could be higher than £10k where additional partnership funding is secured. It is important to note that funding for capital costs (e.g. buildings and infrastructure) are not eligible for funding.

The delivery plan and associated financial breakdown must be clearly demonstrated in the application form. 

Applications will be assessed by an FA Funding Panel that will meet quarterly. 

• Small sided football providers with less than 2000 teams collectively playing at their sites can submit only one funding application per funding round on behalf of their organisation (i.e. one application per small sided provider per quarter).

• Small sided football providers with more than 2000 teams collectively playing at their sites can submit up to six funding applications per year on behalf of their organisation (Note – a year is based on The FA season from July to June).

Applicants are encouraged to consult with the SSF Development Fund Manager prior to submitting their application as well as consulting with their local County FA about their project proposal. The SSF Development Fund Manager will provide valuable advice and guidance to help shape your project. However, it is not a mandatory requirement for applicants to contact this officer before submission.

What are the aims of the Fund?

Successful applications should look to achieve at least one or more of the following:-

- Significantly increase adult (16yrs +) Small Sided Football participation.

- Attracting new adult players into football: participants who do not normally play any form of football.

- Significantly enhances the quality and satisfaction of participants’ football experience.

- Encouraging adult football participation in female, disabled and BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) groups.

- Projects that are unique or innovative in their approach.

- Projects that look to create a two-way link with adult 11-a-side football (e.g. attracting players from 11-a-side but also encouraging Small Sided Football players to feed back into the 11-a-side game).

What timelines do I need to be aware of?

Applications for this fund will need to be submitted three weeks before The FA Funding Panel meets each quarter. No exceptions will be permitted, and you might be contacted following submission to provide further information to support your application.

All projects must be able to commence delivery within three months of being approved by The FA Funding Panel.
All projects must be completed within 12 months of The FA Funding Panel approval. At the completion of each project, it is a condition of receiving the fund that the applicant must complete a SSF Development Fund Monitoring & Evaluation report.
Key Dates for submitting applications to the SSF Development Fund.

The following dates confirm the funding round deadlines for 2012:-

Round 7 - Friday 27 January 2012
Round 8 - Friday 27 April 2012
Round 9 - Friday 27 July 2012
Round 10 - Friday 26 October 2012


We would prefer to receive applications electronically but we will also accept them by post. When you have completed your application form email it to SSF-Fund@TheFA.com

Alternatively you can send your application to:
Small Sided Football Development Fund Manager, The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London HA9 0WS.

Please click here to download an FA SSF Development Fund Application Form.