Get Started | England Football Learning

Get ready to play your part in the greatest game on Earth

Are you interested in joining the millions of volunteers, coaches, medics, administrators and so many more who are growing the grassroots game, but have no idea how or where to start? You're in the right place!

England Football Learning is committed to supporting anyone who wants to help deliver football. We're here to provide support, guidance and advice to help you learn how the game works and find a role that is perfect for you.

So, whether you're looking to begin volunteering part-time at your local club, or you have a passion for developing skilful players and want to become the next Gareth Southgate or Sarina Wiegman, we'll be with you. Keep scrolling down this page to find out how you can get started.

Find out more about how you can get involved in the game

Looking to get involved, but not sure how or where to start?

Becoming a coach or a football volunteer doesn't mean you need to have played the game before or be an expert to make a difference.

There are so many roles that clubs need support with, from coaches to help players improve to first aiders to provide medical care if needed and safeguarding officers to maintain a positive football environment for everyone.

If you want to take that step over the sidelines and begin playing your part in delivering grassroots football, you can complete our online EE Playmaker by England Football course.

This course is completely free, and you can complete it in your own time, at your own pace. It is designed to introduce you to the world of grassroots football and give you the confidence to step onto the pitch. You'll also learn about basic first aid skills and how to keep the game safe for all.

There are five modules in total and you don’t need any previous football experience or qualifications before signing up. In fact, all you need is an FA Number (FAN) and a laptop, tablet or mobile device. Then you’re good to go.

When you complete the course, you'll officially become a qualified Playmaker and be awarded a certificate to match.

To find out more about the course and get started, click the link below.

Players high fiving each other during a Wildcats session

EE Playmaker by England Football

Become a qualified football volunteer for free and help make football happen in your community

BECOME AN EE PLAYMAKER

Coach kneeling down and speaking to a youth player

Get straight into coaching with Introduction to Coaching Football

If you've completed EE Playmaker or you're ready to lead sessions with confidence, you can book a place on our Introduction to Coaching Football course

Find out more

Frequently asked questions about getting involved in grassroots football

There are so many ways to get involved in football outside of being a coach.

Take a look at some of our other courses and find something suitable for you:

-Medical Courses

-Safeguarding Courses

-Talent ID/Scouting Courses

-PE CPD for Teachers

To find local opportunities, we recommend getting in touch with your local County FA. Find yours here.

Yes! We understand that people learn best in different ways. Alongside any courses and programmes that you're taking, you can browse our latest sessions, articles and ongoing learning opportunities to help you improve in your role.

We run a Fully Funded Places Programme that covers the cost of a percentage of all places on Introduction to Coaching Football for coaches who meet our criteria.

Application windows take place at various times throughout the season. You can find out more here.

Find out more about England Football programmes that you can get involved in:

Stepping over the Sidelines

Stepping over the Sidelines is a free, introductory workshop designed to encourage mums, female guardians, helpers, assistants, young leaders and players to take their first steps into coaching football.

Delivered face to face, the workshop aims to break down some of the barriers such as, “I have no playing or coaching experience” or “I don’t know the rules” as well as looking at the skills you may already hold which can be transferable to coaching football. Find out more about Stepping over the Sidelines.

Weetabix Wildcats

Weetabix Wildcats is non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age. Most importantly, Weetabix Wildcats is all about having loads of fun and meeting new amazing friends.

Squad Girls' Football

Suitable for girls aged 12-14, Squad Girls' is a fun, non-competitive way to play football locally with friends, old and new.

Just Play

Snickers Protein Just Play is for men, women and for those aged 16+ of all abilities, with Walking Football if you fancy a slower pace, and lots of options for everyone.

To find out more about how you can become a provider for any of the above programmes, visit the England Football website.