The place-based projects are institution-led and focus on priorities relevant to both the university and the wider community. This year’s initiatives range from increasing participation among underrepresented groups to developing inclusive opportunities in disability football and women's coaching pathways.
Football Development Projects
University of Sunderland - Volunteer Coach Development Programme
The University of Sunderland aims to increase the number of student coaches and volunteers within local community football. The project will collaborate with local clubs who have a national league outlet as well as a grassroots provision to create mutually beneficial partnerships to benefit football in the community particularly within the women and girls’ game and ensure sustainable growth and support for grassroots football in the Sunderland area.
University of Wolverhampton - Disability Football Programme
The University of Wolverhampton is launching a Disability Football Programme to develop inclusive football opportunities for students and community members with disabilities in primary, secondary and higher education. This project will also develop student coaches from historically under-represented groups to deliver tailored sessions, addressing the needs of participants and ensuring everyone has access to football. Partnering with local grassroots clubs, the initiative aims to promote inclusivity and provide pathways for disabled athletes within the community.
University of Warwick - Women’s Football Coaching Development Initiative
The Women’s Football Coaching Initiative at the University of Warwick is focused on increasing the number of female coaches within football. This project will provide female students with the opportunity to gain coaching qualifications and practical experience, promoting gender equality in sports leadership both on the university campus and wider community. Through collaboration with local clubs, the initiative aims to create role models for aspiring female players and foster a more inclusive football environment.
University of Nottingham - Empowering Diversity in Football Project
The University of Nottingham’s Empowering Diversity in Football Project aims to enhance participation among historically underrepresented groups, particularly Black and female students, in coaching roles. By offering training and integration into grassroots football, this initiative will not only develop coaching skills but also enrich the local football culture. Collaboration with AJ Sports Football Club will help strengthen ties between the university and the local football community.
University of Brighton - Empowering Coaches Programme
The University of Brighton’s Empowering Coaches Programme seeks to increase participation in football among students from historically under-represented groups. This project will offer structured coaching sessions led by qualified student coaches, targeting areas with historically low engagement. By working with local clubs, the initiative aims to create pathways for sustained involvement in football and empower participants through positive role models.
Queen Mary University of London - Empowering Female Coaches in Football
Queen Mary University of London’s Women’s Coaching Pathway is designed to boost the number of female coaches in football. By providing students with coaching qualifications and practical coaching experience, this project aims to foster a new generation of female leaders in the sport. Collaboration with relevant organisations such as Limehouse Laces Girls Football Club, AFA, etc. will support the development of women coaches in football, encouraging greater participation among female students.
Loughborough University - Disability Football Programme
Loughborough University's Disability Football Programme aims to create inclusive football opportunities for students and community members with disabilities ensuring equal access to facilities, coaching and competitive opportunities. By training student coaches to deliver specialised sessions, this initiative seeks to address the specific needs of disabled participants and promote engagement in football. Partnering with local organisations such as Loughborough Foxes, the project will foster a more inclusive environment and create pathways for disabled athletes to participate in the sport.
University Referee Development Hubs
The following universities have been granted funding to create hubs designed to support students begin their journeys as qualified officials. Successful hubs will work in collaboration with their local County FAs to deliver bespoke courses for students whilst providing season long mentoring as they gain experience officiating within the university setting and the wider grassroots game.
University of Hull, University of Nottingham, University of Bristol, University of Derby, Middlesex University, University of York, Manchester Metropolitan University, Hartpury University, University of Roehampton & Newcastle University.
In total, BUCS will be awarding £36,500 worth of funding for the above projects this season.
To find out more about these opportunities or learn more about our Football Accreditation programme, contact Sean Lofting, BUCS Football Development Officer.
