If you’d like to provide feedback on the football provision in your local area, and highlight areas which require support, now’s the time to complete the FA Grassroots Survey which is available here until Friday 8th November.

Players, coaches, parents, supporters, volunteers and referees in Essex football, plus club and league officials, can currently suggest areas for improvement and outline the impact of particular campaigns or schemes. This information is important for shaping the future of the game.

Since the survey was originally launched, the responses of more than 100,000 grassroots participants have helped to inform the decision making and allocation of resources by The FA and respective County FAs. Results from the 2018/19 edition identified five key areas - both on and off the pitch - where a renewed focus is required:

* identify the resources and tools which clubs need the most support with
* foster the right experience for participants at this level of the game
* encourage young people to stay active in different roles across the game
* ensure the Respect Campaign has a positive impact on all participants
* adapt to the changing nature of modern grassroots football

Brendan Walshe, Essex County FA Chief Executive, said: “We intend to ensure as many people in Essex are playing the game, and those already in football are enjoying a rewarding and safe experience. We’d like the views of everyone because it would be interesting to hear of peoples’ experiences and how they think we should develop the game locally.”

“We’re listening for the voice of local football to tell us how we’re doing and what still needs to be done to keep grassroots heading in a positive direction. Our dedicated local workforce help to shape local and national strategies by telling us what is needed, and where. This survey takes just a few minutes to complete and it’ll make a real impact on the future of local football.” 

Please click here to take part in the 2019/20 Grassroots Football Survey. Information on the local game is also shared in the menus above, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.