Lionesses HERe to Play Fund

The fund has been set up to support female participation in football following the rapid, Lionesses-inspired growth of the women and girls' game. The fund is aimed at providing every woman and girl with a safe, welcoming and accessible place to play football.

The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund offers grants of up to £25,000 for clubs and organisations to make their facilities more inclusive, such as clearer signage, sanitary bins, conversion of open showers to cubicle showers, and private spaces for baby change and breastfeeding.

Applicants must provide 25% of the total project cost and submit evidence of this funding.

What is the purpose of the Lionesses HERe to Play Fund?
The fund aims to elevate the experience of women and girls in football by creating inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality environments that support female participation at every level.

How much funding is available per application?
Applicants can apply for up to £25,000 with 75% funded by the Football Foundation and 25% match funding required from the applicant.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit football clubs or voluntary groups
• Local Authorities
• County FAs
• Professional Club Community Organisations
• Educational establishments providing community access
• Registered charities
• Not-for-profit companies
• CICs or social enterprises
• Companies limited by guarantee

Who is not eligible to apply?

Ineligible applicants include:

• Individuals or sole traders
• National governing bodies
• Commercial/for-profit entities
• Clubs in top-tier leagues (e.g., Premier League, Women's Tier 1–4)
• Educational institutions serving only their own students

Can I apply for funding for any item I choose?
No. Funding is restricted to a defined list of eligible items with specific cost limits. Applications including ineligible items will not be considered.

What are some examples of eligible items?

Examples include:

• Female changing spaces (£15,000)
• External lighting (£7,500)
• Baby change facilities (£4,000)
• Lounge furniture (£7,500)
• Cubicle showers (£2,500 per unit)

Can I apply for just one small item like signage or a coffee machine?
No. Items such as signage, sanitary bins, or coffee machines cannot be funded in isolation. They must be part of a broader proposal.

How many applications can I submit?
Only one application is permitted per organisation within a 12-month period.

Can I apply for funding work already completed?
No. Retrospective funding is not allowed. Costs incurred before grant approval are ineligible.

Do I need to register anywhere before applying?
Yes. All applicants must register on the Football Foundation portal before submitting their application.

Is match funding required?
Yes. Applicants must provide 25% of the total project cost and submit evidence of this funding.