English Schools' Football Association

The ESFA Development Team are pleased to launch new funding opportunities to support new Schools’ Football activity, nationwide.

The ESFA has ring-fenced a proportion of its FA grant to support new schools’ football activity. The funding streams below indicate the types of activities which are eligible. The list is not intended to be exclusive, so if you have other ideas, please submit them providing:

• That new activity is being stimulated
• That the new activity doesn’t duplicate other activity in the area
• That the activity couldn’t go ahead without development funding
• More children will play football as a result

Within these criteria, priorities for investment include Primary School football, Girls’ Football and football opportunities for pupils with disabilities. You will see however all activity which fills gaps is eligible for consideration. However, Representative football is not eligible.

The ESFA have suggested some ideas of where funding could be spent -

• Start-up Grants
• Leagues or Competitions
• Mixed Football
• Futsal
• Kit Packs
• Disability Football

You can find full details on the funding opportunities on a downloadable PDF here along with the application forms. The window for application closes on Monday 9 January and all forms can be sent directly to the Development Team.

If you require any further information in the meantime, please feel free to contact the Development Team via email and they will endeavour to help you.