The extension reflects the strength of the partnership between BUCS and The FA and reaffirms a shared commitment to making football accessible, inclusive, and thriving across higher education. With The FA’s support, BUCS will continue to deliver high-quality competitions, initiatives aimed at widening participation, developing future leaders in the sport, and ensuring students of all abilities can engage with football throughout their university experience.
The renewed funding comes at a time when BUCS is proud to showcase the positive impact of its work across the student sport community. The BUCS 2024-25 Football Development Impact Report highlights the scale of participation, performance and development achieved over the past year, demonstrating how partnerships like this one drive meaningful change.
In addition, BUCS has published two programme-specific reports shining a spotlight on the reach and outcomes of both the BUCS & FA Women’s Leadership Programme and Emerging Club Leaders Programme over the past 12 months.
These reports underline how funding translates into real-world benefits for students, clubs, and communities across the country. BUCS wishes to thank CREAS Sports Consulting for their work in producing these reports throughout the season.
Will Roberts, BUCS CEO, said: “We are delighted to have such a strong relationship with The FA and that through our shared belief in the power of higher education institutions and students we are able to announce this extension to our partnership.
"Our combined strategic ambitions come together through a plan that will further develop students as leaders in the game and ensure that football continues to thrive in higher education through a progressive and dynamic development programme.”
Stacey Mullock, FA Head of Development, said: “We’re pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with BUCS for the next three seasons. Over the past few years, our collaboration has led to significant progress in football development for both organisations. There is now strong alignment between BUCS, its member universities, and our Grassroots Strategy goals through to 2028, and we look forward to building on this momentum and expanding football opportunities for students across the country.”
With this funding secured, BUCS and The FA will continue to work in partnership to deliver opportunities, grow the game, and ensure that football remains a central part of the university sport experience.
