The FA is working with its Official Community Partner McDonald’s to celebrate grassroots football and create opportunities to play for all across England. Taking place each summer, Community Football Days are a showcase of grassroots youth football in your area and are hosted either by a County FA or an accredited Charter Standard club.
Community Football Days provide participation opportunities for those families and young players new to the game and for those who already play, regardless of their ability or experience, as well as being used as a recruitment vehicle to help continue to grow the game. In 2016, clubs that hosted Community Football Days saw a 52% increase in new players, and a 47% increase in volunteers.
Depending on the objectives of the host club or venue, recruitment could focus on new players across boys, girls or mixed teams, new teams at different age groups, new volunteers, new fans and spectators or even the recruitment of funds to help maintain the hard work your club or County FA undertakes each week. Tournaments are a great platform to encourage participation as well as hosting FA Skills and drop-in sessions for those not yet a member of a team.
Ultimately, a Community Football Day should adopt a “something for everyone” approach, with refreshments, fun games and activities, inflatables etc. for everyone in attendance on the day but with football at its core.
The FA and McDonald’s, in collaboration with the local County FA, will select a Community Football Day to support in each county with branding, equipment, an event toolkit and social and digital support to help raise awareness of your event and drive attendance.
To see some images from previous Community Football Days and apply to hold an event in 2018 please visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/communityfootballdays
