We are committed to ensuring young people are involved within strategic decision making at The FA as we continue to inspire positive change. There are many opportunities for young people to use their voice, develop themselves and lead change within football.
Find out more below about some of the opportunities available for young people.
Online Learning Modules
Looking to gain knowledge and skills to support your volunteering? Our online learning modules help you understand the roles and tasks involved in club and league management are a great place to start.
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FA National Youth Council
The FA National Youth Council believe that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they possess the energy, skills and ideas to change football and the wider community for the better, today. No decision about young people should be made without young people. The FANYC represents children and young people on the FA Council, the Football Development Committee that feeds directly into the National Game Board.
To view current roles and responsibilities in the FA Youth Council, click here
Follow the FA Youth Council on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn through our Linktree here.
Youth Leadership Network
The Youth Leadership Network (YLN) is an online Learning & Development programme ran by the FA National Youth Council for youth leaders aged between 16-24. All members of the YLN are involved in youth leadership and volunteering roles across the game. This could be as a part of their County FA Youth Council or an active volunteer in a club or league.
YLN meetings take place every 6-8 weeks online and are designed and delivered with the England Football Personal Development Compass’ eight behaviours at the centre to ensure meetings support the growth and success of young people in the football workforce.
The YLN is a fantastic place to connect with others, and develop skills to unlock your potential in both your volunteering & professional roles. Please get in touch with the FA National Youth Council at nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com for more information on how to join the YLN.
The FA Leadership Academy
The FA Leadership Academy, Funded by The Premier League, is a 12-month learning and development programme for up to 60 young people aged 16–24. The programme starts with an inspiring four-day residential in late July (all accommodation and food are provided free of charge), including workshops and activities centred around personal development and leadership.
Following this, young people on the programme complete reflective tasks prioritising their personal development and are supported by The FA National Youth Council and their mentors to deliver a project within their local football community that positively impacts the game. Participants are also able to apply for funding from the Wembley Stadium Foundation to support the delivery of their project.
Visit the link here to the FA Youth Leadership and Volunteering community, and get in touch with the FA National Youth Council at nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com to register your interest in participating in in the FALA27 Programme.
County FA Youth Councils
County FA Youth Councils are a fantastic way to meaningfully impact football in your local area. This may be through delivery of projects or representing the views of young people in your local area to ensure youth voice is heard in decision making Please contact your County FA to find out about your local Youth Council. Also you can get in touch with the FA National Youth Council at nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com if you would like some support to do this!
Follow the FA Youth Council on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn through our Linktree here.
Club & League Youth Councils
Club & league youth councils enable the voice of young people to be represented within decision making on committees across the grassroots game and National League Pyramid to influence positive change.
If you would like to start a club or league youth council or would like some support in representing young people as a part of your committee, please get in touch with the FA National Youth Council at nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com or take a look at the Youth Leadership & Volunteering Toolkit (YLVT) here. The YLVT is a fantastic resource providing an introduction to youth voice, youth-adult partnerships and opportunities in the game.
Rising Leaders
Rising Leaders is a powerful learning and development programme created for ethnically diverse young women aged 16 to 19.
Get involved
Find Volunteering Opportunities
Navigate through our Find Football tool to find volunteering opportunities near you!
CLICK HERE
Your Game
An event designed to showcase the different opportunities for you to get more involved in football and take your first steps into a role. Contact your County FA.
CONTACT YOUR CFA
Testimonials
Listen to some of the young people who are enrolled on The FA Youth Leadership Programme and their experiences with volunteering in football:
