Talbot Road FC who benefited from Manchester FA discipline funds in order to purchase a new Nike kit.

Fund4Football

Reinvesting our income back into grassroots.

Fund4Football is an initiative developed by the Manchester Football Association to reinvest the funds gained from discipline fines back into our grassroots football community.The funding scheme is completely unique to Manchester FA member clubs and leagues and is one of the many fantastic membership benefits that are on offer.

In 2015, Manchester FA presented a new National Game Strategy for 2015-2019. Part of this strategy was to reduce our reliance on discipline income by the end of 2019 and ensure any discipline income is transparently reinvested back into grassroots football in Manchester.

Over the course of the last five seasons (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2019/2020), there have been ten application windows where Manchester FA member clubs and leagues at grassroots level have had the opportunity to apply for a share of the funds. 

Below is an overview of what has been invested so far:

Date Amount

Successful Applications

February 2016 £5,700 34
April 2016  £6,300 24
October 2016 £4,683 20
February 2017 £6,552 29
May 2017 £6,949 24
November 2017 £6,811 17
April 2018 £6,570 22
October 2018 £4,431
22
May 2019 £4,797 30
February 2020 £5,800 21

Each window we receive a high number of applications with requests for a variety of investment, which includes courses, facility improvements, respect resources and kit and equipment.

2020/21 Season Onwards

For the 2020/21 season, we moved to a rolling application period where clubs and leagues can apply for funding each month with applications reviewed and approved on a monthly basis (usually within 7 days of the following month starting). For clarity, funding applications will close on the last day of the month and re-open on the first day of the following. 

Season Amount Successful Applications
 2020 - 21 £8446 69
 2021 - 22 £6493 59
 2022 - 23 £7580 40

2022/23 Season on Beyond

Building upon the success of the 2020/21, 2021/22 & 2022/23 season F4F campaigns, we will be making further changes to support our club and league members even more, as we continue with our recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. As with last season, the application period will continue to be rolling, where clubs and leagues can apply for funding each month with application reviews and approved on a monthly basis (usually within 7 days of the following month starting). For clarity, funding applications will close on the last day of the month and re-open on the first day of the following. 

In addition, for the 2023/24 season, we have introduced the Hardship / Cost of Living Category, allowing clubs or leagues to submit applications to support with things such as utility bills, pitch hire, and fuel costs. 

Monthly application application amounts can be broken down as follows:

Non England Football Accredited Club £100
England Football 1* Accredited Club  £200
England Football 2* Accredited Club £300
England Football 3* Accredited Club £500
Non England Football Accredited League £250
England Football Accredited League £500

In addition to all of this, the way that clubs and leagues submit applications has changed too, making it even easier than ever. 

When ready simply click the below link to complete our online application form. Please include as much information as possible and ensure that your form is completed in full to provide our review panel the best opportunity to support your application. 

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR FUND4FOOTBALL APPLICATION TODAY

THINKING OF APPLYING? READ THIS BEFORE YOU DO!

Applications will only be accepted by Members of Manchester FA. Associate Members cannot apply for Fund4Football. The successful clubs/leagues must be available for media coverage when deemed necessary by Manchester FA to promote the funds awarded and its impact.

Applications must specify which listed item(s) on the application form that the funds are required for, this ranges from coaching bursaries to grounds equipment. Applications will not be accepted for funds to cover league/competition entry fees, facility utility bills or fines of any kind.

A maximum of £400* for small funding or a maximum of £2000 for medium grants applications. Any applications of more than this amount may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The panel hold the right to award an amount that is less than the initial application and Manchester FA reserve the right to reclaim any unused funding.

Payment will be made to the applicant's Club Bank Account. Applications will not be accepted by any member without a bank account in the clubs/leagues name. Proof of a bank account must be provided with the application.

All clubs/leagues must provide proof of purchase for all awarded funds within eight weeks of the funding being received, failure to do so will result in Manchester FA reclaiming the funds. A database of all applications and awarded funding will be held by Manchester FA. Repeated applications for the same purpose will not be accepted.

The decision of the Independent Panel is final and there will be no appeal process.

 

To speak to somebody at Manchester FA, contact:

Support@ManchesterFA.com
0161 225 1966
 

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