HAVE YOUR SAY - THE FA ANNOUNCES 2018-19 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL SURVEY
The online survey, which is now in its fourth season after being launched in 2015/16, provides players, coaches, match officials, parents, supporters, volunteers, club and league officials with an opportunity to share their experiences of community football and highlight potential opportunities for improvement.
To date, almost 90,000 participants have voiced their opinions on the grassroots football provision in their local area and helped to inform the allocation of investment and resources by The FA and County FAs.
Amongst a wide range of activities and developments, last season’s feedback directly resulted in the implementation of 18 SSE Wildcats Centres in Dorset, which provide football opportunities for 5-11-year-old girls, £948,210 of facilities investment in Derbyshire and trials of Temporary Dismissals – otherwise known as ‘sin bins’ – in Cornwall.
Martin Glenn, The FA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Grassroots Football Survey has grown season-on-season. Since its introduction in 2015/16, it has given us greater insight and understanding of the community football landscape, which has helped us shape and improve our decision-making processes across the grassroots game.
"Community football facilities are the perfect example. Despite a number of excellent programmes in place, feedback from previous surveys has repeatedly shown many are inadequate and require further investment. Whilst happy with the availability of grass pitches, participants generally report they are of poor quality. This key information from within the game allows us to prioritise development and resources in these areas.
"This season we want to reach more participants than ever before and make improvements necessary to ensure the continuous development of grassroots football in this country."
Gary Roberts, Guernsey Football Association Chief Executive, said: "The Grassroots Football Survey is a great opportunity for the Guernsey FA to gain a greater insight into the thoughts of the local football community about their experiences in the game. We are looking forward to getting that insight and feedback, and having the opportunity to identify how we can best support the football community moving forward, whether that be around facilities, pitches, education or development programmes."
Visit TheFA.com/HaveYourSay before the deadline on Monday 5 November 2018 to take part.