The Football Association and Football Foundation have launched ‘Retain the Game’- a new scheme aimed at supporting the retention of adult male teams. 

Grants of £750 will provide support for the essential costs of pitch hire, training venues, First Aid courses and playing kit/equipment (including first aid equipment through a bespoke portal). The grants will be split across two years. Charter Standard clubs will receive £500 in the first year and £250 in the second year, whilst non-Charter Standard clubs will receive £250 in the first year and £500 in the second. 

A focus on adult male retention is required because there has been a further loss of 3,500 teams in the last three seasons. Intervention is warranted as the remaining 23,005 teams still account for 25% of all affiliated teams. 

FA Research has demonstrated that Adult Charter Standard Clubs and Leagues are more sustainable and attract additional teams, players and volunteers.  They have a better idea of how to develop and sustain themselves and a commitment to improve standards. Adult Charter Standard is also being renewed to be more relevant and attractive to clubs.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The following age groups and club categories are eligible for support:

Clubs that operate with two or more male teams (U17-U21, Open Age and Vets) and
 
• Hold the FA’s Adult Charter Standard Award
• Operate in a Charter Standard Development or Charter Standard Community Club or
• Adult clubs that to become FA Adult Charter Standard within season 2018/19

Applications are open for a six week window from Wednesday 18 April to Wednesday 30 May.

Only one application per club is permitted. Clubs will be prioritised in the following areas: 

• Clubs with three or more adult teams
• Clubs that have been in existence for five-nine seasons 
• Clubs that have been in existence for ten seasons or more
• Clubs who operate in leagues employing Full Time

In order to apply for Retain the Game, non-Charter Standard clubs will need to demonstrate they are willing to commit and work towards Charter Standard status. This requires clubs to contact their County FA and initiate the process prior to submitting an application. Charter Standard status will need to have been achieved by January 2019 to receive any further funding in 2019.

For further information and to find out how you can apply, please follow the link below.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss your application further, please email rtg@footballfoundation.org.uk or contact Mark Woodhall, County Development Manager, on Mark.Woodhall@NorthumberlandFA.com or 0191 2700700 (Option 2).