The FA

The FA has been under increasing pressure to do more for the grassroots game in England recently. And it seems that football’s governing body is finally stepping up its efforts. The recently published ‘Guide to Managing in Grassroots Football’ aims to give amateur coaches expert guidance on how to manage clubs, players and staff. Compiled by several football experts, the...

Albionfoundation.co.uk When England coach Mark Sampson took England’s women to the 2015 World Cup in Canada, his main aim was to bring back the trophy. And while his side fell just short of their primary objective, they brought back something that could be far more precious. When England’s heroes landed back in Blighty, they brought back the gift of...

Some areas of England just can’t get enough football. These are the areas that produce far more than their fair share of England internationals on a regular basis. When you think of hotbeds of grassroots football, your thoughts might turn to the likes of the North East, Manchester, Liverpool and London. Plymouth probably isn’t a place that springs to mind...

When the FA announced its £250m scheme to improve grassroots football in England, hopes for the future the game in local communities rose. But it seems that there might be a significant flaw with the plans. As more than 80 percent of community pitches are owned by local authorities, it is inevitable that they will be responsible for the implementation...

Being an FA accredited referee is a highly rewarding and enjoyable job; in fact many referees claim it’s the next best thing to actually playing the game. The role of the modern referee is vital in many respects. As well as officiating matches, referees play important roles in their local communities, and work with footballers to improve their discipline and...

The Football Association has enjoyed some remarkable success stories in recent years. Although going scarily over budget, the new Wembley has already become an iconic sight in world football. And a new era of footballing excellence was ushered in with the opening of the St George’s Park training centre. But are things quickly turning south for the FA? Cutting back...