Football Development Projects allow BUCS to work directly with universities to address gaps in participation and test approaches that could help shape the future of football across higher education. Projects are led by institutions and respond to participation needs identified within their own student communities and this allows universities to test new approaches, remove barriers to participation and create opportunities that can continue beyond the funded period.
Funding is targeted towards projects that demonstrate a clear need, put students at the centre of their delivery and have the potential to create sustainable change. Alongside increasing participation, projects support the development of student coaches, referees, volunteers and activators, strengthen relationships with local football partners and generate learning that can be shared across the wider BUCS Football Development Network.
For the 2026/27 season, projects are focused on two priority areas: Women's Recreational Football & Inclusive Football/ Futsal Participation. Supporting universities to create and grow accessible recreational football opportunities for female players and students from historically under-represented groups.
2026/27 Funded Projects:
This season, BUCS is investing £17,000 across six Football Development Projects.
1. University of Bedfordshire – Give Women’s Futsal a Go
The University of Bedfordshire will launch Give Women’s Futsal a Go, providing free and accessible futsal opportunities for female students and women from the wider community.
The programme will provide a welcoming environment for participants to try futsal, develop their skills and build confidence, while also creating routes into more competitive opportunities. Female student activators will lead the sessions, providing valuable coaching, leadership and professional development experience alongside the growth of the playing offer.
2. Bournemouth University – Women’s Football and Futsal
Bournemouth University will expand its existing women’s football pathway through the introduction of a dedicated Women’s Futsal programme. The project will create more opportunities for female students to participate and compete across both football and futsal, supported by a student Activator. Bournemouth will also work with local clubs and community organisations to strengthen opportunities beyond the university and create further pathways into refereeing, volunteering and football leadership.
3. Newcastle University – BUCS Baller League
Newcastle University will introduce the BUCS Baller League, an inclusive small-sided football programme designed to provide an accessible and enjoyable alternative to traditional competitive football. Using a fun and non-traditional format, the project will create opportunities for students of different abilities and backgrounds to get involved, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for women. The project will also support student coaches and volunteers and establish a sustainable recreational football offer at Newcastle.
4. University of Nottingham – Black Sports Collective Football Project
The University of Nottingham’s Black Sports Collective Football Project will focus on increasing football participation and creating clearer pathways into coaching for Black students. The project will establish new intramural football teams alongside opportunities for Black students to develop as coaches. It forms part of the university's wider work to address underrepresentation within sport and create a more inclusive football environment for its students.
5. University of Surrey – Female Development League
The University of Surrey will lead the development of a new Female Development League involving institutions across the South East. The league will provide a stepping stone between recreational football and BUCS competition, giving new and developing players an opportunity to gain confidence and experience in a more appropriate competitive environment. By working collaboratively across institutions, the project will also look to reduce barriers such as travel costs while creating additional paid opportunities for students to support delivery.
6. University College London – 5-a-Side World Cup
UCL will deliver a 5-a-Side World Cup designed to bring together students from across its diverse international community through football. Students will be able to enter alongside friends or through cultural societies and represent nations as part of a festival-style competition celebrating UCL's cultural diversity. By working directly with societies and communities that may not traditionally engage with university football, the project aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming route into the game and help students connect through a shared football experience.
Throughout the season, BUCS will work closely with each institution to support delivery and capture learning that can help strengthen football/ futsal opportunities across the wider higher education sector.
To find out more about the Football Development Projects programme and how your institution can be a part of it/ receive funding, please contact Alai Ayyakannu.
