Football

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Football

Football is widely considered to be the most popular sport in the world. The beautiful game is England's national sport

See Also:
Blind Football

An Overview of Football

It's fast, skilful, fun and open to everyone. Most of us have kicked a football around at some point. One of the real beauties of the game is that it can be a sport for life. Friends and children in the park, jumpers for goalposts. Its free, fun and one of the best ways to keep fit and healthy.

The FA, the governing body of football in England, is responsible for developing and regulating the game at all levels from international football to the grassroots.

There are six international disability squads, one for each specific impairment. These squads represent England in friendly internationals as well as in European and World Championships.

Benefits

Increase endurance

  • Increase agility
  • Develop physical coordination
  • Build muscle strength
  • Players remain in constant motion, with about five miles typically run in a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, burning approximately 630 calories.

Costs

Whilst Football can be played anywhere for free wherever there is a space to play, some costs to consider when trying Football for the first time.

Ball

A football costs between £20-£60 depending on the ball. Some leisures can provide balls if a pitch is booked out.

Location
Can be free or you can book a pitch for an average £25-£50.

Involvement

Most villages have a local football team for all ages. Many English schools now provide football as part of the School curriculum.

Look out for "5 A Side" posters in your area. You'll find groups of people decide to set up their own leagues to play.

Adaptations and Equipment

You should consider buying decent shinpads and football boots. Most major sports retailers can provide you with information required on what will suit you best.

Facts

  • Football first appeared on the Olympic programme in Paris in 1900.
  • The German word for Football is "Fußball"

Find Football Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

The Football Association

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Telephone
0800 169 1863
Pinfold Pumas JFC

Pinfold Pumas JFC

Pinfold Pumas Is an inclusive football club based I. Cudworth. We have mixed girls and disability junior football teams as well as adult disability teams.

Redfearns JFC

Redfearns JFC

Redfearns JFC is a Equal and Diverse, Community Club, with a strong developmental philosophy.

Engaging children of all ages in Football activities competing in the Sheffield and Hallamshire league,

We offer developmental coaching with experienced an

FA Just Play - Women's Programme

FA Just Play - Women's Programme

9:00am - Fri 12th June, 2026

Sported is delighted to be able to support community groups to deliver women’s football thanks to funding from The FA’s Just Play programme, a national initiative designed to increase football participation among women aged 18+.

Disability Football ~ Turn Up & Play

Disability Football ~ Turn Up & Play

Turn up & play is about providing recreational football opportunities to those who either can’t or don’t want to access club football.

Grassroots Football Fund

Grassroots Football Fund

Grassroots Football have teamed up with the Utilita Football re-booted movement to launch the Grassroots Fund, providing support to grassroots clubs, leagues and volunteers who need the help.

Football Foundation - Small Grants

Football Foundation - Small Grants

Small grants scheme offers grants of up to £25,000 for items that will help support your club from the restart and beyond. Whether you want to score your goals in style with some new goalposts or need some new maintenance machinery to keep your groundsman happy.

Premier League Stadium Fund

Premier League Stadium Fund

The Premier League Stadium Fund awards capital grants to clubs to support improvement of their stadium facilities for players, supporters and officials. Funding is available to clubs who play in Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, Tiers 1 to 4 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and clubs promoted into the English Football League.

Designated Safeguarding and Behaviour Improvement Officer

This exciting role will support the Bedfordshire FA's work in delivering their safeguarding and Behaviour Improvement programmes.

Inclusion Advisory Group members

Are you passionate about making football truly for everyone?

At Suffolk FA, we believe the beautiful game should be accessible, safe, and welcoming for every person in our community - regardless of their background, identity, or ability.

We are looking for independent, forward-thinking individuals to join our Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG). This isn't a "yes-person" role. We need "critical friends" who will challenge our Board, share unique insights, and help us dismantle barriers to participation across our county.

Andrew Wadsworth

West Riding County FA Football Development Manager

01132 822 358 or 07779809567

Eva Maria Egginton

Girl's, Women's and Inclusion Football Development Officer

0114 2615500

http://www.sheffieldfa.com

Jack Matthews

County Development Manager

07792 026798

http://www.sheffieldfa.com

Jason White

Disability Football Development Officer

0114 2615507

http://www.sheffieldfa.com

Joanne de Tute

West Riding County FA Senior Development Officer

01132 821 22 opt 1 or 07779809566

Mark Wozniak

Sheffield & Hallamshire FA - Football Development Officer

0114 2615515

http://www.sheffieldfa.com