The place-based football development 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 with international students and women's coaching pathways.
Yorkshire Universities Group led by Leeds Beckett University
Yorkshire’s University Women’s Development Football project is aimed at supporting the growth of women’s football by helping universities meet rising demand. This is achieved through targeted participation sessions and a unique regional festival competition tailored to development players. Making participation more accessible and sustainable for emerging university teams and increasing match opportunities in an inclusive, cost-effective format.
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University's Football Development Project aims to increase participation and workforce opportunities for Black & Asian students. This will be done through monthly event-style Turn Up & Play sessions and bespoke support for future coaches or officials.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London’s International Student Social Football League aims to increase participation in sport amongst our large population of international students. This project aims to provide a free entry-level sporting offer to engage with and foster participation within this traditionally underrepresented group.
Loughborough University
The development of Loughborough’s women’s recreational football project will offer a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment for women of all abilities to play football. It will focus on building confidence, ensuring there is an offer for everyone, and creating a supportive community both on and off the pitch. The project will be tied into Loughborough’s wider EmpowerHER campaign to encourage social connections and active participation, helping more women enjoy the benefits of football.
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University's project is to create a sustainable pathway of recreational Women’s Football, from social sessions to training clubs, with future aims of leading into our Performance programme. The project will also create additional workforce opportunities, internally and with partnered community clubs.
University of Wolverhampton
University of Wolverhampton’s project aims to boost student engagement and increase participation in women's football by creating inclusive and accessible opportunities across all educational levels and community clubs. It promotes a female-centred development model that supports the physical, mental, and social needs of female players while empowering student leaders and role models to inspire involvement and leadership. Through strategic partnerships and the development of female ambassadors, the program seeks to build a fair, inclusive, and sustainable football environment that advances gender equality in the sport.
London South Bank University
London South Bank University are striving to grow a sustainable women’s recreational football offer. With support of the BUCS funding, and internal resource and support, the project will enable LSBU Active to activate a more specific marketing plan, recruit and up-skill more football qualified students to champion Women’s Football on campus, deliver specific events for recruitment drives, and continue to deliver the weekly Women’s Football Just Play session.
University of Hull
The University of Hull Women’s Football Development Project aims to be the catalyst for improved quality and increased participation when it comes to our female football offer. We will be working with our university student clubs and our county FA to upskill new coaches, deliver weekly strength and conditioning sessions, and deliver just play sessions over the course of the year.
In total, BUCS will be awarding £14,000 worth of funding for the above projects this season.
To find out more about these opportunities, please contact Alai Ayyakannu, Football Development Assistant.
BUCS Partners
