Sheffield & Hallamshire FA

SUPPORTING AND DEVELOPING FOOTBALL IN THE SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE REGION SINCE 1867.

The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association is a non-profit organisation and is responsible for the development, administration and governance of all affiliated football within a 20-mile radius of Sheffield Cathedral.

Our region has historically made a huge contribution to the development of football; we are the oldest County FA, the area includes the oldest ground in the world and is home to the world's oldest football club, and the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup is the fourth oldest surviving cup competition.

This unique heritage is important, but we must also acknowledge our region’s role in developing the game and delivering success during more recent times – The first Parklife Hub City, the largest junior league in Europe and of course, several elite performers from our region have represented England at Men’s and Women’s international level during recent tournaments.

We work in partnership with the FA to deliver the national game strategy across our county to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game.

Our vision: Changing lives through football 

Our mission: To lead local football and deliver exceptional services

London FA

Harnessing the power of grassroots football to enrich more lives in London.

• Safer environments for people to thrive

• Lead the growth of structured football in London

• Develop a workforce that is diverse as the city itself

• Improve the business, to better serve our members

• To govern, safeguard and develop the grassroots game to ensure the best and most welcoming football experiences for all across the capital​

Northamptonshire FA

Northamptonshire FA is the local governing body for football covering Northamptonshire. Our role is simple; To Protect, Promote & Progress an individual's journey in football by inspiring a lifelong relationship with the Game. Football has the power to Change Lives and connect people, and this is why we do what we do.

Since 1887, Northants FA has been governing the game locally, working with our member clubs and leagues to ensure that the game is played with integrity and passion. Over the years, the role that Northants FA plays in football has changed significantly and it now looks after over 27,000 players across 1,600 teams, engaging with thousands of coaches, referees, supporters, club and league officials and parents.

The County FA is responsible for everyone's journey in football and our role is to keep opening opportunities and breaking down barriers for more and more people to enjoy this beautiful game.

Our staff team provide expert advice and support to our members across a variety of development, safeguarding and governance fields.  Our ambition for improving the game and people's lives drives our strategy and the work we do.

Middlesex FA

Our Story
Our role is to develop and support the grassroots game in the geographical County of Middlesex. We are a charitable organisation providing everyone with the opportunity to participate in the game across Middlesex. Our boroughs are some of the most densely populated and diverse in the country and we are committed to connecting and collaborating with everyone who would like to be involved. 

Our primary focus when anyone chooses to participate in the game is to make sure safeguards are in place to ensure they have fun in a safe environment, creating pathways for them to stay in the nation’s favourite game for as long as they wish. At Middlesex FA our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to share their passion for football. At our facility, Rectory Park, we are proud to have expanded our reach by working with our partners to deliver on and off the pitch. 

Our Mission:
Rebuild, modernise and grow the game for all.

Our Values:
We are Committed
We are Creative
We are Collaborative
We are Connected

Our Purpose:
To ensure each and every person in Middlesex has the opportunity to get involved in football. To achieve this vision, we have four simple values that staff, Council and Committee members here at the Association live and breathe – to be committed, to be creative, to be collaborative and to be connected. With these values, we’ll continue to move football forwards, creating an environment where regardless of age, ability, faith, gender, sexuality or background, people in Middlesex are able to enjoy the beautiful game.

Lincolnshire FA

Formed in 1881, there are now over 1,900 teams affiliated under the Lincolnshire FA banner.

Covering one of the largest geographical areas of the County FA network, Lincolnshire FA's vision:

'One Lincolnshire Community, United and Inspired by the Power of Football' guides us to provide our communities with the platform to engage, unite and thrive through a safe and inclusive football experience.

Cumberland FA

Cumberland Football Association (CFA) was founded in 1884 as an agent of The Football Association (The FA) to act as the governing body for football within the county of Cumberland which includes the districts of Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland and part of Eden.

The CFAs vision is one of "Working together to make a difference through the game we love" and our mission is to "increase participation, regulate the game and promote safe, inclusive football".

We are classified as a small county based mainly on our population and more recently our market share of the grassroots game nationally. This has allowed us opportunities to really focus on and develop core values and a service culture that we hope is personalised, competent, convenient and proactive.

We are proud of Cumberland FA but understand that the game will always be more important to us than we are to the game.

We are a Small Team with Football in our Hearts – we believe our staff are a passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated, and empathetic team who deeply care about and remain involved in the grassroots game themselves.

Mental Health and Wellbeing have quite rightly been a key focus for a lot of people within the game, including ourselves, and we believe that there is a greater understanding of the benefits that organised sport has upon these areas.  It is important that we not only recognise and utilise the undoubted power of football to promote well-being, but we also use football to highlight where and how people can get support and to encourage people to feel able to talk openly about mental health in order to combat the stigmas that lead to too many people suffering alone.

North Riding FA

Making a difference through football across the North Riding since 1881.

Football and North Riding have a long and proud history together - as you would expect from a county that is so passionate about the game - so there is no shortage of different forms of football for you to get involved in.

Founded in 1881, The North Riding Football Association is the guardian of football in the County. Responsible for efficiently governing and developing the local game, North Riding FA strives to influence participation for all in football positively. North Riding currently has over 1300 affiliated teams playing football in various formats across the County. So, there are plenty of local teams, leagues and opportunities for individuals to participate in the beautiful game.

A commercial partnership with the North County FA offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact individuals, teams and clubs that are often run by volunteers who simply love the game.

Cornwall FA

Cornwall FA is the governing body for all affiliated football in the County.

Responsible for the Governance and Development of the game we have a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality and a passion for making sure that football is accessible to all members of the community.

Our commitment to ensuring we maintain the highest of standards has been highlighted by the fact we were one of the first Counties in the Country to be awarded the FA Code of Governance. We have also recently been awarded the Equality Standard for Sport Preliminary Level.

These awards are a recognition of our hard work and dedication to delivering the best we can for all our players, match officials, coaches, managers and volunteers.

Northumberland FA

Northumberland FA is the governing body for football in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.  We are also a registered charity and our aim is to ‘use the power of football to inspire, unite and create opportunities for everyone’, on the pitch and beyond.

We believe in harnessing the power and popularity of the sport and utilising it as a force for good, developing partnerships with people and organisations that share our ambition to improve people’s lives and wellbeing through supporting their communities.

Inclusion is a key priority for us as we seek to create pathways into football for everyone and increase participation from underrepresented groups by working with partners in the community to increase accessibility.  We focus heavily on supporting people from low socio-economic areas, helping people in these communities to access football and providing them with the support they need to stay in the game.  Our SCARF and Benevolent funds are utilised to provide financial support to people as and when needed.

Our safeguarding provision helps to ensure that everyone involved in football has the correct qualifications and checks in place, helping to keep children and vulnerable adults safe in sport.  Further to this, we support coaches and referees by ensuring we help them attain the relevant football-related qualifications and provide excellent CPD opportunities, such as our Coach the Coach Program.

Partnership work is something we believe strongly in, and we currently have over 20 partnerships in place with other organisations that share our vision and can provide support to those involved in football.  For example, we are partnered with Mental Health organisations and schools, while another of our partnerships helps us to provide kits and boots to those who need them.

Ultimately, we believe that football is incredibly powerful and should be used to influence positive change in all of our communities.

West Riding FA

The West Riding County Football Association is the governing body of football in the county. We are one of the largest county football associations in the country and oversee all aspects of the game in our territory.

We are responsible for providing the structure and support that enables our players, coaches, volunteers and referees to develop. Our utmost priority is that every participant in our county is given the opportunity to develop in a progressive and enjoyable environment.

In addition to our governance responsibilities, we concentrate heavily on the development of the local game and maintain a strong emphasis on the evolution of players, coaches, volunteers and referees. By promoting “Football for all” we encourage participation across all sections of society, regardless of age, ability, race, religion or socio-economic status.

By developing innovative programmes and cultivating opportunities in alignment with our governing body (The FA), we deliver the national game strategy in our county. We are also immensely proud of our thriving culture throughout the non-professional game, a sector widely referred to as “Grassroots” football.

As a county, we believe it essential to uphold our traditions and embrace the legacy of our past. However, we are very much a progressive County FA who is happy to celebrate our history without residing on it. Although the West Riding County Football Association has been the governing body of all association football in the County for over 100 years, today we are an energetic, innovative and ever-changing organisation. We remain as passionate as ever about the success of football in the county.

Together We Are Football

Cambridgeshire FA

Cambridgeshire FA is the not-for-profit, governing body of football in Cambridgeshire.

We grow participation, promote diversity and regulate the sport for everyone to enjoy.

With 180 clubs and 20,000 players of all ages and abilities playing in the County, Cambridgeshire FA is proud to support football for all. Our role is to grow participation, promote diversity and regulate the game for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're a player, parent, club official or referee we want to support and continue to improve your football experience in the county.

Our Vision: Your game, your experience, our goal.

Dorset FA

Vision

“Ignite and Inspire the Communities of Dorset using the power of Football”

Mission

To be recognised by our Football Communities as an organisation which inspires and governs football in collaboration with our stakeholders, delivered with expertise and integrity to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment in Dorset.

Our Values

Approachable

Supportive

Passionate

Innovative

Respectful

Engaging

Amateur Football Alliance

The Amateur FA is a County Football Association, affiliated to the Football Association. 

Whilst the majority of our clubs are in London and the Home Counties, we have member clubs throughout England. The Amateur FA is unusual among County FA's, as it is not based around a particular geographical area. 

A Football Environment Based on Fun, Fair-Play and Friendship for all Abilities

We aim to provide football opportunities For All, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture or background, to enjoy the spirit of amateur football, both competitively and for recreation. We also pride ourselves on the skill and competitiveness of our leagues, and on our traditions of fair play and respect for opponents and match officials.

East Riding FA

We are responsible for the Governance and Development of the game and have a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality and a passion for making sure that football is accessible to all members of the community.

The County FA provides support, resources and guidance to clubs, volunteers and match officials across the whole of the region and we are committed to helping create opportunities for all members of our community to be involved in grassroots football.

We care passionately about local football and provide a framework that enables players, volunteers, coaches and match officials the opportunity to participate in grassroots football in a safe and enjoyable environment.

East Riding FA is proud to support football FOR ALL

Derbyshire County FA

Derbyshire FA is on a mission to lead and support the football community across Derbyshire while providing a safe and inclusive environment.

Valuing accountability, adaptability, collectivity and innovation, our vision is to change lives through football.

Leicestershire & Rutland County FA

The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is committed to governing and developing the game at all levels.

We grow participation, promote diversity and regulate the sport for everyone to enjoy.

With over 330 Clubs and 34,000 diverse players of all ages and abilities playing in the County, Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is proud to support football for all.

Manchester FA

We are the home of grassroots football in Greater Manchester and we are committed to providing football for all.

A passionate, inspiring and professional organisation, Manchester FA is the home of grassroots football across Greater Manchester.

We are the guardian of the national game in Greater Manchester. We are responsible for efficiently governing and developing the local game and strive to positively influence participation for all in football regardless of age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion and socio-economic status.

Often described as grassroots football, participation in the non-professional game continues to thrive in our city which is steeped in football tradition and history across all levels of the game.

Worcestershire FA

SUPPORTING AND DEVELOPING FOOTBALL IN WORCESTERSHIRE SINCE 1893...

Worcestershire FA is the governing body of football in Worcestershire.

We are a not-for-profit organisation that grows participation, promotes diversity and regulates the sport for everyone to enjoy. With nearly 300 Clubs and over 16,000 diverse players of all ages and abilities playing in the County, Worcestershire FA is proud to support football for all.

Our key focus areas:

• Helping to support The FA National Game Strategy (and the four pillars of development)

• Reviewing our internal strategy to support business development

• Continuing to develop the local infrastructure in the football community, including facilities, leagues, clubs and workforce

• Continuing to focus on our service and efficiency

• Striving for consistent improvement

Wiltshire FA

Educate. Develop. Support. These principles have driven Wiltshire FA's work since it was founded in 1884.

We offer professional training to enhance the skills of the football workforce and develop the next generation of coaches, referees, medics and administrators.

We deliver programmes and support facilities to inspire people to take part in football making sure there are enjoyable and accessible opportunities For All.

We offer administration and support to players, clubs and leagues to ensure our game is safe, positive and inclusive. We believe our game should be played with RESPECT.

Wiltshire FA is the not-for-profit, governing body of football in Wiltshire. With 1,500 teams and in excess of 20,000 players of all ages and abilities playing in the County, Wiltshire FA is proud to support football For All. 

Cheshire FA

Cheshire FA was founded in 1878 and is the governing body for all football in Cheshire. As an organisation, we are responsible for the governance, organisation, education and development of the grassroots game within the County boundaries established in 1927. 

On 30th October 2003, Cheshire FA HQ was opened by the Chairman of the Football Association, Geoff Thompson. A year later, the County celebrated our 125th Anniversary and was presented with an address from the FA to record its appreciation of the outstanding services to the game rendered by the officers and members. 

We are proud to work closely with our many partners and stakeholders, including the Football Association. We are an enterprising and dynamic SME in the heart of the County.

Working collectively with our football community, we work towards a strategic framework that actively looks to inwardly invest in key aspects of grassroots football, supporting and enhancing the infrastructure both on and off the pitch, ensuring we are always Inclusive, Progressive and Respectful, as these are our values.

Visit www.CheshireFA.com to find out more!

Kent FA

Kent FA is the not-for-profit governing body of football in Kent.

We run 3 Representative teams and 25 County Cup competitions. Our goal is to grow participation, promote diversity and regulate the game for everyone to enjoy.

Over 64,000 players of all ages and over 15,000 volunteers help Kent FA keep the grassroots game going.

Kent FA’s vision is to be ‘Ahead of the Game’. As an organisation we champion this in all services and opportunities we provide, supporting Kent’s Grassroots football.

Our aim as an organisation is to govern, develop, promote and protect grassroots football in Kent.

Staffordshire FA

Supporting, developing and uniting football in Staffordshire since 1877.

Founded in 1877, Staffordshire Football Association is the local guardian of our national game in the county of Staffordshire.

Responsible for efficiently supporting, developing and uniting the local game, the Association strives to positively influence participation for everyone involved in football.

Our purpose is to provide a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their football aspirations.

Oxfordshire FA

With over 20,000 registered players, match officials and volunteers we care deeply about the welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved in local football in Oxfordshire. Whoever you are, wherever you are, whether on or off the pitch, everyone faces different challenges and anyone can be struggling with something that others might not see or know how to help with.

• 1 in every 4 people in this country will experience a mental health challenge of some kind each year, and 1 in 6 report experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression in any given week.
• 1 in 6 children aged under 16 experience a probable mental health problem, and 50% of all mental health problems have been established by the age of 14, rising to 75% by the age of 24.
• On average, people with mental health problems die 15 to 20 years earlier than those without. Those earning below average incomes are twice as likely to be at risk of developing mental health problems.
• Not addressing the mental health of people with long-term physical health problems and poor management of medically unexplained symptoms also costs the NHS in England more than £11billion a year.

We want to raise awareness of these shared challenges and help to and effectively tackle them.

Throughout Oxfordshire the aim is the same: to ensure everyone has a safe, welcoming, inclusive positive supportive, encouraging and fun environment in which to enjoy our national game.

All of our 200 affiliated football clubs need a Welfare Officer and we want to ensure that those volunteers get the best support possible in sharing best practice locally.

We hope you find these free new resources from the Football Mental Health Alliance helpful.