England finished their FIFA World Cup 2018 journey on Saturday, in Moscow, competing in the third place play off against Belgium. Although they missed out on third place and a place in the final previously, they have inspired players old and young, all across the county.

Anyone born after 1990 (including most of the England team) will have never experienced a World Cup semi-final knockout before. With football fever sweeping the country, it has inspired youngsters to try the sport for the first time and reignited the passion in former players.

With St George’s flag flying up and down the country, this will be an unforgettable summer for England’s supporters, hopefully resembling the euphoria of Italia 90.

Worcestershire FA is eager to help support the development of the sport from the very beginning, with grassroots football being the best place to start for any budding football player. We have a number of different, inclusive initiatives across the county making grassroots football accessible to all.

PLAY

Walking Football:

Walking Football is an inclusive, fun and sociable small sided version of the game. Whether you are looking to keep fit, get back to playing or play for the first time there are plenty of opportunities across Worcestershire to get involved.

For more information, contact: development@worcestershirefa.com

Veterans for over 35s:

Worcestershire FA Summer Veterans’ League takes place from May-August with 70 minute matches played at a central venue.

For more information, contact: development@worcestershirefa.com

Veterans for over 50s:

Worcestershire FA’s Over 50s League was founded in 2016 and currently has 6 teams competing. Matches are 80 minutes and are arranged between teams at a time to suit both within a two week window.

For more information, contact: development@worcestershirefa.com

Girls and Women’s football:

Whether you have never kicked a ball before or are a future Lioness, there is something for everyone and teams are always on the lookout for new players. See our website for further information. For young players looking to start their pathway in football, Worcestershire offers a number of SSE Wildcats centres as a turn up and play format.

For more information, search for ‘The FA Wildcats’

SSE Wildcats:

SSE Wildcats Girls’ Football Centres from The FA will provide Worcestershire girls aged 5-11 with regular opportunities to play football. The initiative offers organised sessions in a fun and engaging environment created exclusively for girls.

SSE Wildcats Girls’ Football sessions take place on a weekly basis, either after school or at weekends, and provide a safe environment where girls can try football for the first time. SSE and The FA hope the initiative will inspire participants to engage with football, meet new friends, develop fundamental skills, learn new things and create the foundation for a lifelong love of football.

For more information, contact: development@worcestershirefa.com

Adult male 11v11:

There are more opportunities than ever to play 11v11 adult football, whatever your gender, ability, race, culture or background.

To look for local teams, leagues and opportunities for you, search 'Find Football Near You' on our website.

For more information, contact: info@worcestershirefa.com

Small sided football:

Small sided football is identified in the National Game Strategy as one of The FA’s key growth targets for adult football. The popularity of this format of football is a reaction to changing work and leisure patterns and a move towards ‘pay and play’ football. This gives people the flexibility that they need, to fit in a game of football into their busy schedule. To find Small Sided football near you.

Search 'Find Football Near You' on our website

For more information, contact: info@worcestershirefa.com

Futsal:

Many of the top world class footballers (Pele, Messi, Ronaldo and Fabregas) played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their footballing development. We are in the process of building a Futsal County League.

For more information, contact: martin.collier@worcestershirefa.com  

Youth football:

There are a number of formats of football which we are able to provide in Worcestershire. These range from U7s to U10s which is classed as mini soccer (5v5 to 7v7) before moving into youth football from U11 to U12 (9v9) and then progressing onto the 11v11 format of youth football from U13s to U18s.

If you wish to participate in youth football in the county please contact a member of the development team who would be happy to help you: development@worcestershirefa.com

Disability football:

Worcestershire FA believes in flexible, inclusive and accessible playing opportunities for everyone, and is committed to delivering a range of opportunities for players with a disability to access football at various levels across the county.

 If you or anyone you know has a physical, learning disability or mental health challenges who would like to play, coach, referee or volunteer in football then let us know and get in touch: development@worcestershirefa.com

For more information on ways to play, or any other queries, please contact us on: 01905 827137

REFEREE

In Worcestershire there are over 400 members of our referee workforce including active match officials, observers, coaches, mentors, tutors, appointments officers and volunteers. These roles have a huge impact on referee recruitment and retention in line with The FA National Refereeing Strategy, whilst enhancing the experience available to our players, coaches and spectators.

Whether you are looking to take up the whistle for the first time, or are an experienced referee who wants to explore further opportunities, Worcestershire FA has a dedicated team to support you on the refereeing pathway.

For more information on refereeing visit: http://www.worcestershirefa.com/referees or contact: ollie.williams@worcestershirefa.com

COACH

Have you been inspired by Gareth Southgate at the World Cup and want to give coaching a go yourself? Fancy coaching the future Harry Kane or Jordan Pickford? We have a number of different coaching courses available in Worcestershire including everything from FA Level 1 Coaching to Goalkeeping Coaching.

Visit: http://www.worcestershirefa.com/coaches to find out more or contact: lynne.williams@worcestershirefa.com

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are essential in keeping grassroots football running throughout Worcestershire. Without our dedicated volunteers, grassroots football wouldn’t exist!

To find out more about volunteering or to find a role visit: http://www.worcestershirefa.com/volunteers