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The FA Project: Empowering Colleges Through Football

The FA Project is a national partnership between AoC Sport and The Football Association, designed to enhance football opportunities across the Further Education (FE) sector. Aligned with the FA Grassroots Football Strategy 2024–2028, it supports colleges to deliver inclusive, high-quality football experiences for all students —while contributing to national priorities around participation, equality, workforce development, and community engagement.

What is the FA Project?

Running from August 2025 to July 2028, the FA Project brings together a wide range of initiatives that aim to:

  • Improve access to football for underrepresented groups.
  • Develop student leaders, volunteers, coaches and referees.
  • Strengthen college-club partnerships.
  • Enhance facilities and grassroots engagement.
  • Promote inclusive formats such as Just Play, intramural leagues and pan-disability festivals.
  • The programme is underpinned by a robust framework of monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, supported by Sheffield Hallam University.

Opportunities for Colleges

Colleges can get involved in a variety of ways:

  • Become an Accredited College: join a national network committed to delivering safe, inclusive and engaging football experiences.
  • Deliver Just Play sessions: set up male, female and disability football centres tailored to your students.
  • Run intramural leagues: Use our delivery guide and rewards scheme to create sustainable internal competitions.
  • Host or attend festivals: Take part in regional and national events, including pan-disability and women’s Just Play festivals.
  • Access facility funding: Apply for grants to improve pitch access, maintain grass pitches or support club partnerships.
  • Upskill students: Engage with programmes like ECFA Activators, Student Leadership Programme, Club Makers, Stepping Over the Sidelines and officiating bursaries to develop future leaders.
  • Connect with County FAs: Build relationships that support delivery, safeguarding and progression into community football.

Why Get Involved?

By participating in the FA Project, colleges benefit from:

  • National recognition and visibility through the Accredited College network.
  • Access to tailored support, resources and funding.
  • Opportunities to showcase best practices and success stories.
  • Enhanced student experience and employability.
  • Stronger links with local football communities and County FAs.
  • Whether you're looking to grow your football offer, improve facilities or empower students to lead, the FA Project provides the tools, support and connections to make it happen.