Barclays believe in creating opportunities for all through access to football. Through the Barclays Community Football Fund, in partnership with Sported, we want to grow participation in football at every level.

But despite a huge increase in demand for girls' football, in England, only 5% of FA-qualified coaches are women, meaning those girls playing lack representation and female role models. Increasing the number of high-quality female coaches in the girls' game is crucial to improve standards, and to show girls they can be involved in football in lots of different ways.

Who is eligible to apply?

This fund is available to all clubs and groups that run football activities for girls and aspire to get more female coaches qualified! You are eligible even if you have already received a grant from the Barclays Community Football Fund.

We welcome applications from not-for-profit organisations, including community groups, youth groups, and traditional football clubs, who are submitting on behalf of the individuals who want to undertake their football coaching qualification. The grant amount will fund a Level 1 or equivalent course in each Nation.

To be eligible for funding, the coaches you put forward must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as female
• Aged 16+
• Already coaching girls or would like to start
• Part of a club or group with girls' football provision where they would like to begin or continue coaching (i.e. current player, parent of a player, volunteer etc.)
• Can undertake their coaching qualification within 12 months (subject to course availability)

How much funding can we apply for?

You can apply for funding to cover the cost of a Level 1 or equivalent qualification and any additional safeguarding and first aid requirements. You can apply to upskill up to two female coaches at your club or group. The grant amount is determined by how many coaches you want to upskill and what country your organisation is based in:

• England - £160 for one coach, £320 for two coaches

The fund is currently open until 15th September 2024 but may close earlier if we receive a large volume of applications.

For more information on the fund, please visit - Female Coaches for Girls (sported.org.uk)