Football

Go further in football

Published September 1, 2025

Updated September 6, 2025

Posted By

Paul

Save For Later

Bookmark

Become a playmaker

Go further in football with an England Football Playmaker Course

EE Playmaker by England Football is a free online entry-level course designed for anyone keen to get involved in grassroots football. No prior experience or qualifications are required – just a laptop, tablet or phone, and an FA Number (FAN).

The course consists of five accessible modules that cover:

Making football inclusive
Connecting with players
Creating fun, engaging sessions
Keeping football safe
Taking your next steps in coaching

By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support local clubs, initiatives, or centres in a variety of roles. Upon completing the EE Playmaker by England Football course, participants gain the knowledge and skills to support a ‘named coach’ in youth football teams or an ‘FA Lead Playmaker’ on FA participation programmes, assisting with the delivery of football activities.

This role allows individuals to contribute to creating safe, fun, and inclusive football experiences, although they are not qualified to lead sessions independently.

It is important to note that anyone working with children will generally need a current FA-approved DBS check and must comply with safer recruitment procedures. Eligibility for a DBS check requires applicants to be 16 or older.

For those interested in taking on a leading role without pursuing traditional coaching, there are additional steps available to become eligible for the position of ‘FA Lead Playmaker’.

Getting started is easy: create or log in with your FAN ID, add EE Playmaker to your FA Learning basket (it’s automatically set to free), and begin learning at your own pace.

Become a coach

Getting started in football coaching can be one of the most rewarding paths in the grassroots game – just ask Neil Glover, 46, from Sedgley in the West Midlands…

Neil’s journey began over 25 years ago when he took on his mates’ men’s team as they moved. That experience soon expanded into youth coaching for his stepson’s team. Today, Neil balances coaching responsibilities across both men’s football and Saturday youth teams in the Junior Premier League (JPL).

For Neil, the key message for any aspiring coach is simple: “Do it. Give it your all.” He emphasises the importance of strong planning, adaptability, and recognising success, adding: “You can’t please everyone, but making tough decisions gets easier. Being adaptable is a must.”

Barriers do exist – from time demands and hidden costs to the impact on family life – but Neil believes finding the right club and support network makes all the difference. “Make sure expectations are aligned,” he advises.

For newcomers, England Football offers two valuable routes into coaching:

The Play Phase course supports those working with children aged 4-6, helping coaches understand how young kids develop through play. It includes five e-learning modules, a learning journal, and extra content like blogs, podcasts, and Q&As through an online community.

Meanwhile, the Introduction to Coaching Football course is the ideal launchpad for coaching players of all ages. Blending live webinars, e-learning, and peer support, the course equips learners to run fun, inclusive sessions. Coaches have 12 months to complete the four-week course, which now replaces The FA Level 1.

The Advanced Youth Award develops elite youth coaches, enhancing skills and knowledge to support talented players’ development through The FA’s Long-Term Player Development Model and world-class technical programmes.

UEFA diplomas – C, B and A diplomas – delivered through a blend of virtual and face-to-face learning by expert Coach Developers. Coaches receive practical resources, reflect in real-time, and develop tailored approaches for their players.

The National Goalkeeping Course is designed for coaches holding the UEFA C Licence or FA Level 2 in Coaching Football, focusing on developing specialist skills for working with goalkeepers. Replacing previous FA goalkeeper coaching courses, it offers practical learning to support technical and tactical development.

Become a referee

Anyone aged 14 and over can begin their journey as a referee by completing the online Laws of the Game module and a safeguarding qualification

Refereeing is open to all – whether you’re a teenager starting out or an experienced player looking to stay involved, it’s never too late.

Visit your local County FA website to find upcoming courses. Once qualified, referees can progress through the referee development pathway, including dedicated routes for the women’s game.

To stay updated with rule changes, referees are encouraged to download the IFAB app, the official source for football laws and updates.

Ref with the Amateur Football Alliance
The Amateur FA is committed to developing a skilled and motivated network of over 300 affiliated referees who serve the grassroots game with professionalism and passion.

Through comprehensive training, assessment, and ongoing support, referees are equipped to manage matches effectively and progress in their officiating journey.

Led by the Referee Development Officer, the programme includes expert tutors, mentors, and coaches who help officials grow in confidence and ability. As referees gain experience, they are considered for County Cup ties and selected FA competitions, with opportunities tailored to support both personal and professional development.

Course details for refs
The FA Referee Course provides aspiring match officials with the essential knowledge and skills required to officiate grassroots football safely and effectively.

Aimed at individuals aged 14 and over, the course prepares referees to oversee mini soccer, 9v9, and 11v11 formats of the game.

The programme includes both online and in-person elements. Participants must first complete online modules covering the Laws of the Game, along with mandatory safeguarding training. Only after these are completed can learners attend the face-to-face sessions.

Pre-Course Requirements
All participants must complete FA Safeguarding for All training. Learners aged 16 and above are also required to undergo a DBS check.

Course Structure

Module 1 – Online Learning
Module 2 – Session 1: Creating Chemistry
Module 3 – Session 2: Building the Foundation
Module 4 – Practical Games
Module 5 – Reconnection (Online or In-Person)

This course forms the foundation for a successful and rewarding refereeing journey.

Boost your skills, knowledge, and coaching confidence with England Football’s futsal courses – perfect for players and aspiring coaches looking to develop technical ability and lead teams in this fast-paced format.

The FA’s Introduction to Futsal course is a free online module designed for anyone – no previous futsal experience required. Learners need only an FA Number (FAN) and a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. The course covers:

Overview of futsal and its technical demands
Getting started with a team and planning sessions
Coaching core skills and team-based strategies
Supporting players’ development in a fun, safe environment

The FA’s guide to the futsal laws course provides a comprehensive overview for anyone involved in futsal. It covers key rules, fouls, restarts, set pieces, and referee signals. Learners complete four modules with knowledge checks, and upon finishing all sections, they can access their course certificate.

For those looking for more in-depth training, the National Futsal Course (£128) provides practical, hands-on coaching experience. Learners explore: