Fund4Football is an initiative developed by the Manchester Football Association to reinvest the funds gained from discipline fines back into our grassroots football community.The funding scheme is completely unique to Manchester FA member clubs and leagues and is one of the many fantastic membership benefits that are on offer.
In 2015, Manchester FA presented a new National Game Strategy for 2015-2019. Part of this strategy was to reduce our reliance on discipline income by the end of 2019 and ensure any discipline income is transparently reinvested back into grassroots football in Manchester.
Over the course of the last five seasons (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2019/2020), there have been ten application windows where Manchester FA member clubs and leagues at grassroots level have had the opportunity to apply for a share of the funds.
Below is an overview of what has been invested so far:
| Date | Amount | Successful Applications |
| February 2016 | £5,700 | 34 |
| April 2016 | £6,300 | 24 |
| October 2016 | £4,683 | 20 |
| February 2017 | £6,552 | 29 |
| May 2017 | £6,949 | 24 |
| November 2017 | £6,811 | 17 |
| April 2018 | £6,570 | 22 |
| October 2018 | £4,431 | 22 |
| May 2019 | £4,797 | 30 |
| February 2020 | £5,800 | 21 |
Each window we receive a high number of applications with requests for a variety of investment, which includes courses, facility improvements, respect resources and kit and equipment.
2020/21 Season Onwards
For the 2020/21 season, we moved to a rolling application period where clubs and leagues can apply for funding each month with applications reviewed and approved on a monthly basis (usually within 7 days of the following month starting). For clarity, funding applications will close on the last day of the month and re-open on the first day of the following.
| Season | Amount | Successful Applications |
| 2020 - 21 | £8446 | 69 |
| 2021 - 22 | £6493 | 59 |
| 2022 - 23 | £7580 | 40 |
2022/23 Season on Beyond
Building upon the success of the 2020/21, 2021/22 & 2022/23 season F4F campaigns, we will be making further changes to support our club and league members even more, as we continue with our recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. As with last season, the application period will continue to be rolling, where clubs and leagues can apply for funding each month with application reviews and approved on a monthly basis (usually within 7 days of the following month starting). For clarity, funding applications will close on the last day of the month and re-open on the first day of the following.
In addition, for the 2023/24 season, we have introduced the Hardship / Cost of Living Category, allowing clubs or leagues to submit applications to support with things such as utility bills, pitch hire, and fuel costs.
Monthly application application amounts can be broken down as follows:
| Non England Football Accredited Club | £100 |
| England Football 1* Accredited Club | £200 |
| England Football 2* Accredited Club | £300 |
| England Football 3* Accredited Club | £500 |
| Non England Football Accredited League | £250 |
| England Football Accredited League | £500 |
In addition to all of this, the way that clubs and leagues submit applications has changed too, making it even easier than ever.
When ready simply click the below link to complete our online application form. Please include as much information as possible and ensure that your form is completed in full to provide our review panel the best opportunity to support your application.
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