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What’s new in football

Meet England’s most capped beach footballer

Paul 1.40 min read

Meet grassroots football coach Aaron Dougan

Paul 1.35 min read

Play futsal to help improve your quick passing skills

Paul 2.15 min read

Arvi Sahota is flying the flag for the Punjabi O’s

Paul 2.20 min read

Mass participation

Big numbers

Grassroots football engages over 14 million people annually, with a focus on inclusivity for all genders and ages. Approximately 69% of clubs have reported increased participation.
The women's game is growing

Lionesses rampant

Following the Lionesses’ victory in the 2022 Euros, an additional 50,000 girls took up football, increasing participation among girls under 18 to 16%, slightly surpassing netball at 15.4%.
Paying it back to grassroots

Billionaire’s balls

Since its creation in 2000, the Football Foundation has invested more than £1 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,100 3G football turf pitches, 12,000 grass pitches and 1,400 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.3 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2 billion investment in grassroots football so far.
Embracing British South Asians

Rising tigers

The English FA’s Asian inclusion strategy report say 11.9% of adult men and 15.4% of adult women playing grassroots football are of South Asian heritage (surpassing the South Asian population share in England and Wales by around 7 %)

Get started

“The right kit doesn’t have to cost the earth, but having gear that fits well and suits the surface can make a big difference to a player’s confidence and development,” says grassroots coach Aaron Dougan. Discover what Aaron feels you need to look for when buying kit here.

PUMA Orbita Cup Premier League 25/26 Football

£28

Buy online

Kickster portable football goal 5 x 3 foot

£49.99

Buy online

Nike Charge Shin Guards

£17

Buy online

Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy Firm Ground Football Boots

£60

Buy online

Flat Markers Multi-colour (set of 10)

£14.99

Buy online

Uhlsport Powerline Supergrip+ Finger Surround

£45

Buy online

Back to grassroots

“I'm here today because my junior coach (Colin Nixon) was one of the people that gave me an opportunity to play"
Bukayo Saka Arsenal & England

Listen to the gaffer

“Coaching is taking whatever our starting point is and adding another layer to it, and another layer”

Emma Hayes OBE Coached Chelsea Women FC to 16 major trophies

Grassroots in football

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Learn the basics

Football

Meet England’s most capped beach footballer

Go further in football

Become a football playmaker

Boost your grassroots football impact with the free EE Playmaker Course from England Football. Learn inclusive, safe, and fun coaching skills online – no experience required, start at your own pace today. Click here to find out more
Become a coach

Kickstart your football coaching journey with England Football’s Play Phase and Introduction to Coaching courses. This helps you to learn to run fun, inclusive sessions, develop players of all ages, and grow your skills online or in-person. Click here to find out more.
Step up to be a referee

Start your refereeing journey with England Football or the Amateur FA. Courses for ages 14+ cover Laws of the Game, safeguarding, and practical skills – preparing you to officiate grassroots matches confidently. To find out more, click here
Get into futsal coaching

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. Find out how by clicking here