The FA Skills to close as part of new strategy

Tuesday 31 Jul 2018
Young players take part in a skills coaching session during an FA Lidl Partnership Event at Wembley Stadium

As part of our new strategy, the decision has been taken to close The FA Skills as of July 31 2018.  

The landscape in Primary Schools has changed hugely over the last 11 years when we launched FA Skills.  Today we have seen increased investment through Government into the pupil premium and sugar tax levy, together with the Premier League investing millions into the Premier League Primary Stars programme.

With this in mind, together with the requirement to ensure that we maximize our resources and ensuring we work collaboratively with key partners, we have taken the strategic decision to step away from directly providing football opportunities ourselves.  We will take the role of Quality Assuring other partners’ delivery, supporting, mentoring and educating Teachers and Coaches to provide the very best introduction to the game. 

The FA Skills programme has been hugely successful since its inception in 2007. The staff involved have played a significant role in the development of thousands of children. The philosophy and approach has gone on to influence our coach education courses, the development of the England DNA and many more programmes across The FA.  Achievements include:

Provided 11 million coaching opportunities for children aged 5-11
Supported the development of thousands of grassroots coaches in clubs
Supported the development of thousands of school teachers in Primary schools

If you wish to explore local football opportunities online please visit your local County FA website or use our football finder tool

By FA Staff