Lincolnshire FA is proud to share our Kick On Recreational Football initiative, a project recently nominated for the 2024 County FA Recognition Award in the Football Development category.

This initiative, designed to support recreational football providers across the county, focuses on making it easier for clubs and organisations to establish and sustain new sessions, especially for groups previously underrepresented in recreational football.

The Kick On Recreational Football programme emerged from recognising the untapped potential in Lincolnshire, where multiple recreational football sessions were being run by clubs and organisations without the full support, safeguarding, or data-sharing benefits of an FA-affiliated programme. Additionally, several clubs expressed interest in launching new recreational sessions but required guidance and a simplified process to get started.

To help address these needs, Kick On offers a streamlined, low-administration pathway to delivering sustainable recreational football. In collaboration with a range of partners, including youth-focused organisations like Kixx and futsal providers like Wright Way Sports, the initiative has tailored support to match local needs. For example, Kixx supports Under 5s and Under 6s in southern Lincolnshire, helping bridge the gap for clubs in need of younger player recruitment and feeding participants into local clubs as they grow.

Meanwhile, Wright Way Sports has introduced futsal sessions in Gainsborough, meeting local demand for alternative formats and enhancing young players’ skills and confidence.

Since launching, Kick On has seen over 200 participants of all ages, from Under 6s to Over 60s, across 15 sessions led by nine different providers. Each session leader receives up to £200 in funding to support new recreational programmes, with spending flexibility allowing funds to cover essentials like equipment, facility hire, and even subsidised fees for participants from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Lincolnshire FA checks in regularly with providers, offering initial onboarding assistance, ongoing phone support, and in-person visits to help sustain long-term success.

One of our key partners, Lincoln City Foundation, praised the programme’s simplicity, noting how easy it was to get started and how helpful the FA’s support has been in building a successful session. These connections have not only strengthened session delivery but also enhanced relationships with local organisations, as seen in Lincoln City Foundation’s participation in the recent walking football festival.

Heading into the new season, Kick On aims to build on its initial success by identifying and filling more gaps across Lincolnshire’s football pathways. A tailored approach will allow the FA to offer targeted support, such as additional funding for disability football sessions to cover specialised equipment. Plans are also underway to integrate sustainable sessions with the new Book Football system, creating a more seamless experience for both session leaders and participants.

The Lincolnshire FA is thrilled to see the positive impact Kick On is already making and is committed to its continued growth. With a vision for an inclusive and sustainable recreational football offer across the county, we’re excited to keep helping clubs and communities “Kick On” into a brighter future for football in Lincolnshire.

Jake Park, Head of Football Development at Lincolnshire FA, said:“The Kick On Recreational Football programme represents a significant step towards making football accessible for everyone in Lincolnshire. By simplifying the process for clubs and organisations to deliver recreational sessions, we are not only filling gaps in our football pathways but also fostering a more inclusive environment where all can enjoy the game. We’re excited to see how this initiative will continue to grow and support our communities in the years to come.”

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