This bursary is all about creating opportunity. We want to support women, people from ethnically diverse communities, and people with disabilities to step into coaching, gain recognised qualifications, and make a lasting impact in the game.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into coaching or ready to level up your skills, this is your chance to turn passion into purpose and help shape the future of football.
Available Funded Courses:
1) Introduction to Coaching Football
Delivered by The Football Association via England Football Learning
This course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin their football coaching journey. Whether you’re already helping with a team or completely new to coaching, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment where players can thrive.
What you’ll learn
Throughout the course you’ll explore how to support the player, the game and yourself as a coach, including how to:
- Engage and communicate effectively with players
- Plan and deliver enjoyable, age-appropriate sessions
- Create positive and safe learning environments
- Adapt sessions using the STEP (Space, Task, Equipment, People)
- Support disability football and inclusive coaching
- Build strong relationships with parents and players
Course format
The course blends flexible learning with live support to help you learn at your own pace:
- Live weekly webinars with FA Coach Developers
- Flexible e-learning modules you can complete anytime
- Access to community support and coaching resources
- Practical guides, session plans and videos
Duration: Approx. 4 weeks (self-paced learning)
Location: Fully online For more information about the course visit: Introduction to Coaching Football | England Football Learning
2) UEFA C Diploma
The UEFA C Diploma is designed for coaches who are ready to take the next step and develop the skills to help players improve and truly fall in love with the game.
What you’ll learn
This course builds your ability to plan, deliver and reflect on coaching in real environments, helping you tailor your approach to your players and continue progressing as a coach.
You’ll focus on:
- Understanding players and how they learn
- Helping players learn and progress through training sessions
- Supporting players through matchday experiences
- Developing your coaching practice through reflection and feedback
Course format
The UEFA C blends face-to-face learning with virtual support, giving you time to apply your learning in real coaching environments.
- Six in-person course days split across three modules
- Virtual peer learning and 1-to-1 support from Coach Developers
- Practical, real-world coaching tasks and reflection
Entry requirements
To enrol, you must:
- Be actively coaching a team in a season-long competition
- Have completed Introduction to Coaching Football (or FA Level 1)
- Hold valid First Aid in Football and Safeguarding Children qualifications
- Be living in England and actively coaching a team
Duration: Approx. 16–20 weeks
Location: Blended (online + face-to-face learning). You can select the location of your course from the options offered by The FA.
For more information about the course and to see the available course options visit: UEFA C Diploma | England Football Learning
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for either of the bursaries, you must live in England and meet one personal criteria AND one financial criteria below.
Personal criteria (one required)
You must:
- Identify as a woman, OR
- Be from an ethnically diverse community, OR
- Be a person with a disability
Financial criteria (one required)
You must either:
- Have a household income under £30,000 per year, OR
- Be receiving Universal Credit (or a student whose parents receive Universal Credit or income support)
Before submitting your application, please make sure you:
- Have read the full course details – Understand what the course involves, including weekly webinars, e-learning modules, practical coaching sessions, assessments, and the total time commitment.
- Meet the course requirements – For the UEFA C Diploma, ensure you meet all entry criteria (active coaching experience, completion of Introduction to Coaching Football or FA Level 1, and holding valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications).
- Meet the bursary eligibility criteria – You must live in England and meet both a personal and financial eligibility requirement.
- Can commit to completing the course – The Introduction to Coaching Football course is designed to be completed in approximately 4 weeks, and the UEFA C Diploma lasts 16–20 weeks with blended learning. Ensure you have the time to complete all elements before applying.
Apply Now
To apply, please complete the application form: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Apr-2026/
Closing date: 17th May
If you have any additional queries, please contact [email protected]
