Latest News

Deaf Awareness Week and my journey in football/futsal

2026-05-08T09:18:00Z

This blog has been written by Maisie O'Shea Deaf Awareness Week runs from 4th May to 10th May. It’s a time to recognise the experiences of deaf people and those with hearing loss. It also lets me reflect on my journey and how sport has...(read more)

The FALA Effect: Read more about the impact of FA Leadership Academy

2026-05-06T12:10:00Z

The FA Leadership Academy (FALA) is a 12-month learning and development programme for up to 60 young people aged 16-24. Returning in 2026 as FALA26, the programme starts with an inspiring four-day residential including workshops and activities centre...(read more)

Youth Leadership Ecosystem Members Celebrated as part of the Football Blacklist!

2026-04-29T11:09:00Z

Every member of the Football Youth Leadership Ecosystem is fantastic. We all make a brilliant impact on the game, leading others to ensure all experiences are meaningful. This blog has been written to celebrate two incredible individuals who have bee...(read more)

Applications for the BUCS & The FA Women's Leadership Programme (WLP) 2026-27 are now open!

2026-04-27T08:00:00Z

The BUCS & The FA Women's Leadership Programme (WLP) is global award-winning programme delivered in partnership with The FA and Women in Football, aimed at supporting students who identify as female or non-binary and have aspirations to work ...(read more)

Bringing Sustainability to Grassroots Football: My FALA Project

2026-04-24T10:58:00Z

I’ve always loved football and cared about sustainability, so when the opportunity came to develop a project through the FA Leadership Academy, combining the two felt like a natural fit. SustainaBall Consulting came out of that process, and I&r...(read more)

FA Leadership Academy 26 – Participant Applications Open!

2026-04-13T08:50:00Z

We are excited to share that the FA Leadership Academy (FALA), which is funded by the Premier League, is returning in July 2026. FALA26 is a 12-month learning and development programme for 16–24-year-olds, co-designed and co-delivered by the FA...(read more)

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: My FALA Journey

2026-04-08T12:38:00Z

It all started with an application. I first heard about the Football Association Leadership Academy (FALA) while taking part in the Rising Leaders programme, supported by The Football Association (The FA) and delivered by the Association of Colleges ...(read more)

FA Leadership Academy 26 - Mentor Applications Open

2026-04-08T08:16:00Z

The FA National Youth Council (FANYC) are excited to announce that we are recruiting Mentors for the FA Leadership Academy 2026 (FALA26).The FA Leadership Academy is a 12-month learning and development programme for Youth Leaders in football aged 16 ...(read more)

The FA launches first female health hub to transform access to advice and support in grassroots football

2026-04-03T09:30:00Z

The Football Association (The FA) has today launched its first-ever Female Health Hub – a ground-breaking online platform designed to transform the support available to women and girls across the grassroots game, by providing them with trusted ...(read more)

International Day of Trans Visibility: Reflecting on Allyship

2026-03-31T10:13:00Z

International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place on Tuesday 31st March and is a chance to celebrate the transgender community and recognise the impact transgender people have across our communities, including in football. For me, it’s al...(read more)

A full circle moment: from participant to delivery team on the Rising Leaders Programme

2026-03-25T11:07:00Z

Being a member of the delivery team for the Rising Leaders programme this year was a real full circle moment for me. Just two years ago, in 2023 I was sitting in the same space, as a participant learning growing and taking the steps into my future. R...(read more)

Growing beyond the comfort zone - Rising Leaders Residential Experience

2026-03-20T11:47:00Z

Going into the first Rising Leaders residential, I was really excited. One of the things I was most looking forward to was getting out of London and meeting new people who share my passion for football and leadership. I had only met one person on the...(read more)

Improving Football for Muslim Girls training and toolkit resources

2026-03-19T10:35:32Z

Only 40% of Muslim girls in mainstream schools feel comfortable taking part in physical activity. Fewer than 25% join clubs outside school. We want every girl to believe they belong in football and are Made for this Game. Launched in partnership with...(read more)

Working with Neurodiversity in football

2026-03-18T11:15:00Z

Coaching football has taught me many things - tactics, patience, leadership - but one of the most powerful lessons has been neurodiversity. When I first started coaching, I thought success was about drills, discipline, and match-day decisions. Now I ...(read more)

LIGHT UP A VOLUNTEER’S DAY - NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

2026-03-13T09:20:00Z

Say thanks by nominating a volunteer for a Grassroots Football Award presented by Howdens Every player knows games only happen thanks to volunteers’ dedication, time and energy. Think how much coaches, grounds teams, match officials - and other...(read more)