Barclays Community Football Fund

Barclays believe in creating opportunities for all through access to football. That’s why, in partnership with us here at 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 is helping to reduce 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

Click here to find out more and apply (you will need to register an account to access some of these page).

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

Read more about our work.