Skip to main content
Member login

ECFA Accredited College Framework

The ECFA Accredited College Framework was created by ECFA, in partnership with the sector and Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, to raise standards in college football and help institutions reach their full potential.

Built around ECFA’s four strategic pillars – Participation, Competition, Workforce and Community – the framework encourages colleges to strengthen their football offer through inclusive, impactful activity. These pillars represent:

  • Providing inclusive playing opportunities
  • Supporting talent
  • Developing a student workforce
  • Engaging with the community

What’s New for 2025/26

Based on college feedback, we’ve integrated the ECFA Development Framework into the ECFA Accredited College model in a more efficient two-part offer:

Part 1: All Colleges, Automatically Included

Every Accredited College can now access the framework by completing their end of year scoreboard. This means:

  • No formal application process.
  • A clear, simple route to development.
  • A bespoke action plan report outlining strengths and areas for development across the four pillars.
  • A branded ECFA Framework logo to showcase your rating.

This new approach makes the framework more inclusive and offers bespoke feedback to each Accredited College.

Part 2: The 3-Star Standard

Colleges aiming to showcase the highest standards can still choose to pursue the 3-star level by submitting a smaller selection of evidence against the established criteria after their end of year scoreboard. In return, they’ll receive:

  • A bespoke report and in-depth action planning support.
  • Access to a benefits package.
  • Priority access to wider initiatives.

This maintains the high standards of the 3-star award, while ensuring the wider network can engage benefit from the framework.


Access the Framework Criteria

To support your development journey, the updated framework criteria and evidence can be viewed below.

This framework outlines the indicators of quality football provision as recommended by the sector.

For more information, please contact Joshua Stockdale, National Football Development Officer.

Your College,

Your Students, Your Way

Programmes