Just Play is for ages 16+. You could start a session for men, for women, for those who think they’re talented and for those who think they aren’t. It’s also for those with a disability or for 16–25s or women-only or even 60+; you can start a kickabout designed for anyone, whatever their age or ability. The aim is to give casual footballers a chance to turn up at a centre and Just Play. There is no commitment, they just turn up for an hour of football and exercise without needing to sign up for a season of training and matches. Participants turn up whenever they can make it.

Whether you already have a group of interested participants or you’re looking to provide an opportunity for those in your local community then we want to hear from you and in return we can offer a range of benefits to getting involved:

Funding – Each centre will receive up to £400 in funding, to help support your sessions to get going and become self-sustainable.

Equipment pack – Each centre will receive 5 Nike footballs, a set of branded bibs, cones and a marketing banner giving you all you need for a successful session.

Just Play organiser kit – Each organiser will receive Nike branded kit including t-shirt, shorts, pants and rain jacket to ensure you look the part, whatever the weather!

FA events platform – A new digital platform upon which you simply and easily organise your kickabouts, leaving more time for the fun stuff, like playing football.

Support from Middlesex FA – We are on hand to provide additional support to make your centre a success. We recommend getting in touch with us before making your application.

Digital marketing library – You will be provided with access to a range of digital marketing assets including A4 & A3 Posters, A5 Leaflets, Social, Digital & Email Signatures to help you promote your new centre.

Just Play organiser support – Guidance and support provided to all session leads to help maximise delivery.

National promotion – The FA & Mars will help promote the programme nationally helping to attract potential new participants to your kickabouts.

In return for all that support, there are some minimum requirements that need to be in place in order to get a FA Mars Just Play Centre up and running. These are focused on creating the safe, high quality environment that we know your future participants are looking for and include:

• Each session should be supervised by a Just Play organiser of 18 years or over with a current Level One Certificate in Coaching Football & FA Emergency Aid Certificate.
• Completion of a full risk assessment before the first session takes place that is regularly updated. We will provide you with a template and support for how to complete.
• Delivery for a minimum of 32 weeks across the year.
• Provision of adequately stocked first aid kit at all sessions
• Submission of attendance records via the Events Platform in a timely manner
• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place (including insurance, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities policies)

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO BECOME A MARS JUST PLAY CENTRE

For any questions you may have, please contact Chris Abel, Football Development Officer, via Chris.Abel@MiddlesexFA.com or call 020 8515 1926.