The FA & Football Foundation continue to invest in improving and developing new facilities within grassroots football, however it is vital that we maximise the existing facilities we have within our communities.

There has been significant growth in grassroots football over the last 8 years, with a national increase of over 20% in affiliated participation. The growth of female football has seen an even greater rise, emphasising the success we are continuing to have in our sport. With this increase inevitably comes additional challenges, and we recognise that for many clubs the number of available pitches is becoming an issue.

With approximately 35% of football pitches on educational sites, schools and other education providers have a key role to play in aiding with the provision of facilities. The BBFA Opening School Facilities resource, developed by the BBFA Football Facility Network, highlights to education providers the benefits that are available to them in making their pitches available to use for local grassroots clubs. Whether this be access to funding for new goalposts and to improve pitch maintenance, or the opportunity to aid the provision of additional physical activity for their students.

The resource also acknowledges operational challenges that some education providers may have in opening up their facilities outside of school hours, and potential solutions have been included, as well as the offer for bespoke support and discussions with us. 

Jon Wood, Head of Delivery, highlighted the importance of clubs and schools working collaboratively: "‘Connecting People & Changing Lives’ through the power of football, is what we strive to do as an organisation. We see the link between grassroots football, community groups and education establishments, as being crucial in providing foundations for young people to develop a lifelong journey of physical and mental wellbeing. With the guidance and funding now available to support schools, we aim to enhance these links further through the utilisation of more facilities."

The full BBFA Opening School Facilities resource can be located below: