Barclays believe in creating opportunities for all through access to football. That’s why, in partnership with Sported, the Barclays Community Football Fund is providing grants, training, and exclusive ticketing offers to make football more accessible in communities across the UK.
The Barclays Community Football Fund reduces inequalities in football by supporting community sports groups who need it most. The programme focuses on groups operating in areas of high deprivation and supporting young people from the following underrepresented groups: women and girls, racially diverse communities, young people with disabilities, from the LGBTQ+ community, and from lower socio-economic areas.
Community sports groups can apply to receive:
- £1000 Access Grants to spend on increasing underrepresented young people’s access to play
- Up to £5000 Deep Impact grants available for existing fund recipients
- Coaching grants to get more women qualified to coach girls’ football at a grassroots level
- Access to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training and resources
- Exclusive opportunities to apply for Premier League and Barclays FA Women’s Super League tickets, mascot opportunities and exclusive promotional experiences
What the BCCF has accomplished … so far
From 2022-24, our partnership delivered:
- Over £3million distributed through Sported to community groups and facility developments.
- 556,916 young people impacted by the programme.
- 3,520 organisations became part of the Barclays Community Football Fund network.
- 87% of groups able to engage with new young people from under-represented groups – creating 32,568 new young people playing football.
- 54% of Groups able to train up new coaches from under-represented groups, creating 2,914 additional coaches – including more Female coaches for Girls.
- A unique Participatory Grant Model to engage with communities traditionally excluded from funding.
- 664 Barclays employees engaging in the programme and inspiring a local group to apply for a grant.
- 100% of groups said that the grant had made a positive difference to their group.
Every young person should have access to sport – it transforms lives – but sadly access is not always equal, and this is reflected in the participation levels in football across certain groups. Focusing primarily on girls, people with disabilities and ethnically diverse communities, the purpose of the BCFF is to break down these barriers and give every young person the same opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Our partnership with Barclays is game changing for our members and the community groups that we serve. It has brought vital funding and resources into the sector, helping groups to survive and thrive. Just as importantly, the innovative way in which grants are distributed through the programme – working with communities to identify the barriers and help to define the solutions – is ensuring that funding is reaching those who need it the most.
Sarah Kaye
Sported CEO