Guidelines for developing a grassroots football plan

It is very important to analyse the existing situation of grassroots football in a country before starting up the programme. The context can vary considerably between different Member Associations; the personnel involved in the development of the programme should adapt to the existing situation.

Specific issues must be considered before the programme is launched so that the vision and objectives of FIFA’s grassroots football programme can be fulfilled.

Analysis of the situation in a country

• Population,
• Administrative and technical organisation at national, regional and local levels,
• The educational system,
• Sports policies,
• The existence of a grassroots football structure,
• Sports infrastructures and facilities,
• Links between the Member Association and government ministries.

The practice of football

• A study of football throughout the country, in all provinces and regions, will show the extent to which the sport is practised in all sectors.

• Determining the facilities available in all sectors, in particular in rural areas, offers vital information, such as the number of children who have access to football equipment and under what conditions.

• The availability of coach-educators and equipment, as well as the different types of tournament organised throughout the country, will give an indication of the needs of each sector.

• Can a programme be launched in the various sectors, or a seminar organised to study the feasibility of the programme?

• Are there official links between Member Association staff, leagues, clubs, communities and schools?

• Guarantees for the continuity of the grassroots football programme in rural areas and other regions must be based on the stability of those involved, including the communities and ministries of health, youth, sport and education. These bodies must not only be present, but also active in working towards a common objective.