With six projects running this season, they hope to generate new participants and upskill the student workforce within their respective institutions whilst targeting different aspects of the game.
University of York - This project targets men from historically underrepresented groups (HUG). They will work closely with 25 university societies such as the Afro Caribbean Society to introduce new players to turn up and play sessions. The project will also include researching into the barriers for players from HUG to joining the college or university team.
University Academy 92 - This two pronged project aims to increase the representation of female officials and coaches through courses targeted at women. These upskilled coaches will then provide football sessions for disadvantaged groups in Greater Manchester. They plan on working with Muslim and LGBTQ+ groups as two examples.
University of Leicester - Leicester is implementing a project called Football For All which aims to encourage students with disabilities to try football in a social and fun setting. The programme will focus on all disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and hidden and physical disabilities.
Northumbria and Newcastle - These Universities will work together to create a Universities Officials Hub which will provide students the opportunity to kickstart their refereeing journey. These referees will help support the women’s game at both universities following the success of the Euros.
Oxford Brookes University - This project aims to support refugees and asylum seekers in the area. The weekly programme works with up to 25 refugees and asylum seekers at a time via fun football-based activities and helps participants to connect with likeminded individuals while developing valuable life skills including teamwork and communication. Oxford Brookes have partnered with local organisations Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome.
Loughborough University - This project will create a Referee Hub which provides a cohort of 24 female students officiating courses and educational programmes (Workshops, masterclasses, observations, CPD and S&C). These referees will be utilised in Loughborough’s IMS league and community groups. There will also be an online social media campaign launched and educational pieces around supporting people from HUG at Loughborough.
Zac Sheppard, Social and Recreational Coordinator at the University of York Students' Union (YUSU), commented on their development project; “At York we are delighted to have received funding from BUCS and the FA for our football development project. We are working to engage students from historically underrepresented groups in football by engaging with different societies and student networks from across our student union.”
In addition to The FA funded development projects, a further six universities are running IMS football pilot through BUCS Play: Teesside, Surrey, Warwick, Manchester, Brighton and Greenwich.
