Our Find Football tool allows you to search and find opportunities to play football local to you, with a mixture of team-based and sessional opportunities.

England Football Accreditation is awarded to clubs that meet criteria set by The FA, demonstrating they are committed to being one of the best places for people to play and enjoy football. These clubs renew their Accreditation every year, so work actively to maintain these standards, which include;

1. All club officials, coaches etc in youth football must have an in-date DBS Certificate. 

2. All clubs offering youth football must have a trained Club Welfare Officer in place, with other club committee members completing relevant safeguarding requirements.

3. Each youth team within an Accredited Club must be supported by a manager or coach who has, as a minimum, completed The FA Introduction to Coaching Football, The FA Introduction to First Aid in Football, and The FA Safeguarding Children Course. 

Clubs are recognised by stars, reflecting the range of football opportunities offered on the pitch. 3 Star England Football Accredited Clubs typically provide the broadest range of opportunities, with pathways across multiple age groups for boys, girls and players with a disability.

Sessional Football is an accessible and inclusive football experience for everyone - tailored to meet the needs of all audiences, offering choice and flexible commitment! The FA has a number of sessional football activities delivered by approved clubs and providers. 

These include bespoke England Football programmes for children experiencing football for the first time, including Wildcats for girls aged 5-11, Squad for teenage girls aged 11-16 and Comets, specifically designed for children aged 5-11 with a range of disabilities. 

You can find out more about England Football Programmes HERE

There are lots of other providers of football across the country, provided by individuals and organisations of various sizes, whether through coaching, sessional play or facility provision. They may not be verified or approved by The Football Association but can still provide different or additional opportunities for your child to access football opportunities. 

Ensuring coaches have the right coaching qualifications, suitable coach ratio to children, DBS checks and safeguarding training are all important factors to providing a safe environment and positive experience for your child at football. Never be afraid to ask if these things are in place and you can find more guidance on questions you can ask HERE

If you can’t find the opportunities you are looking for, for your child through Find Football, or would like to discuss some of the opportunities in more detail, please consider contacting your local County Football Association.