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The Football Association, often called The FA, is the organization that runs and protects football in England. If you enjoy watching the FA Cup, cheering for the England national teams, or playing at your local park, The FA has touched your football life in some way. This guide explains what The FA is, what it does, how it is structured, and why it matters to both casual fans and people deeply involved in the game. The aim is simple language and clear examples, so even complete beginners can follow along.
What Do People Mean by “The Football Association”?
The specific “The FA” versus any football association
Many countries have a national football association. In general, a “football association” is the national body that governs the sport in that country. However, when people say “The Football Association,” with a capital “T” and “FA,” they usually mean the English one. It is the oldest football association in the world, and because it was the first, it often uses the simple name “The FA.”
So, The FA is the governing body for football in England and the Channel Islands. It looks after everything from big national teams to small grassroots games. Other parts of the UK have their own associations, such as the Scottish FA, the Football Association of Wales, and the Irish FA in Northern Ireland. The FA is separate from those bodies.
Where The FA fits in the world game
The FA is part of the global football system. FIFA runs the world game, and UEFA runs football in Europe. The FA is a member of both, so England’s national teams play in tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros. The FA also helps write the Laws of the Game through a group called IFAB. That gives England a special seat at the table when rules change.
A Short History of The FA
Beginnings in 1863
The FA was founded in London on 26 October 1863. At that time, different schools and clubs played football in different ways. Some versions allowed handling the ball and hacking (kicking shins), and others did not. Representatives met at the Freemasons’ Tavern to create a single set of rules. Ebenezer Cobb Morley is often called the father of The FA for his key role in driving this change.
Writing the first Laws of the Game
After several meetings, The FA published the first standardized Laws of the Game in December 1863. These laws set the path for “association football,” which is the formal name of the sport most of the world simply calls football (and some countries call soccer). By choosing not to allow handling the ball in open play, The FA separated association football from rugby football, which became a different sport.
The FA Cup and early growth
In 1871, FA secretary Charles Alcock launched the FA Cup, which is now the oldest national football competition in the world. The first FA Cup final took place in 1872, with Wanderers beating Royal Engineers. As football spread through factories, schools, and communities, clubs formed across England. The FA Cup helped connect them in one grand tournament, building a culture of open competition where small clubs could dream big.
Breaks with FIFA and return
FIFA was formed in 1904 without The FA. England joined later but left and rejoined several times over disagreements in the early 20th century. After World War II, The FA rejoined FIFA in 1946. Since then, England has been a full part of the international structure. England won the 1966 FIFA World Cup at Wembley, a defining moment for The FA and the country.
Modern era highlights
In recent decades, The FA modernized its leadership and invested more in grassroots football, coaching, and facilities. Wembley Stadium was rebuilt and reopened in 2007 as one of the world’s leading stadiums. St. George’s Park, the national football center, opened in 2012 to support player and coach development. The England Women’s team’s Euro 2022 victory showed the rise of the women’s game under The FA’s guidance and investment.
How The FA Is Structured
Board, Council, and committees
The FA has a Board that sets strategy, supported by a Council made up of representatives from across the game. There are committees for key areas like finance, professional game, national game (grassroots), discipline, and safeguarding. The FA has a Chair and a Chief Executive Officer who lead day-to-day operations. It is set up as a not-for-profit organization, which means revenue is reinvested into football.
County FAs
England has local bodies called County Football Associations. These are essential in running grassroots football. They handle club affiliations, discipline at local level, coach education, referee appointments, and safeguarding checks. If you play for a local team, you likely interact with your County FA. They are part of The FA family and apply national policies in their areas.
Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park
Wembley Stadium in London is owned by The FA. It hosts England matches, FA Cup finals, and other major events. St. George’s Park in Burton upon Trent is the national training center, used by all England teams and for coach education. Together they form the physical heart of The FA’s elite and event operations.
Funding and how money flows
Money comes to The FA from broadcast rights (like the FA Cup and England games), sponsorships, ticket sales at Wembley, and event hosting. The FA invests that money back into the game. Funding supports national teams, grassroots grants, refereeing programs, coach education, and support for County FAs. The Football Foundation, a charity partnership with the Premier League and UK Government, funds pitches and facilities across communities.
What The FA Actually Does
Sets and safeguards the rules
The FA applies the Laws of the Game in England. While IFAB writes the Laws, The FA interprets and implements them domestically. It issues guidance to referees and leagues about new rules each season. It works to keep the game safe and fair, from youth matches to the top tiers it oversees.
Runs national competitions
The FA organizes several competitions. The FA Cup is the best known, with hundreds of clubs entering from all levels. There is also the FA Community Shield, which is the traditional season opener between the league champions and FA Cup winners. For non-league clubs, the FA Trophy and FA Vase provide national cup competitions. Youth players compete in the FA Youth Cup, and women’s clubs contest the Women’s FA Cup, which has grown rapidly in profile and attendance.
Supports clubs and grassroots football
Grassroots is the base of the sport. The FA helps clubs with accreditation programs, safeguarding standards, and coach education. Through the Football Foundation, it funds 3G pitches, grass pitch improvement, changing rooms, and floodlights. The FA’s tools and guidance help volunteers manage clubs, register players, and organize fixtures more easily.
National teams and player pathways
The FA runs England’s national teams: men, women, youth teams at multiple age groups, and para football teams. St. George’s Park is the hub for training and talent pathways. The FA scouts and supports young players as they progress through academies and international age groups. Successful pathways have helped England’s youth teams win major tournaments, and the women’s team win Euro 2022.
Coaching, refereeing, and education
The FA provides training for coaches and referees. Courses range from beginner to advanced. The aim is to improve knowledge, safety, and the quality of play. Coaching education covers technical skills, player development, and welfare. Refereeing courses teach Laws of the Game, practical management, and decision-making. The FA also invests in mentorship to keep new referees supported.
Discipline and integrity
The FA handles discipline and integrity across the game. It can charge players, coaches, and clubs for misconduct. Independent commissions hear cases and set sanctions. The FA has strict rules on betting, match-fixing, and doping. There are also protocols to tackle discrimination and abuse, with clear reporting routes and penalties.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The FA works to make football welcoming for everyone. It supports inclusion initiatives across gender, race, disability, and LGBTQ+ communities. Campaigns highlight respect and fair access. The FA collaborates with partners like Kick It Out and others to address discrimination. Progress takes time, but the goal is a game where everyone feels safe and valued.
The English Football Pyramid and The FA’s Role
The men’s system
England’s clubs play within a pyramid system. At the top is the Premier League, which is independent but sanctioned by The FA. Below are the English Football League (EFL) divisions: Championship, League One, and League Two. Under the EFL sits the National League System, which includes non-league divisions across the country.
The FA oversees the structure of the National League System and promotions between steps. It also sanctions all competitions and ensures rules are consistent. While the Premier League and EFL run their own competitions day to day, The FA is the guardian of the overall framework and integrity.
The women’s system
The FA led the modernization of the women’s game in England. The Women’s Super League (WSL) launched in 2011, with the Women’s Championship below it. The Women’s National League and regional leagues sit under those. As the women’s game grew, a new independent company, often called “NewCo,” was set to take over the running of the WSL and Women’s Championship from the 2024–25 season, with The FA remaining the governing body and regulator. This aims to bring more investment and professional standards, while keeping safeguarding and integrity strong.
Youth and schools football
The FA works with youth leagues and schools to provide safe, age-appropriate football. There are specific rules for mini-soccer and youth formats, such as smaller pitches and different team sizes for younger ages. The English Schools’ FA runs schools competitions, and many County FAs support local youth development. The focus is on fun, learning, and participation as well as talent identification.
The FA on the World Stage
IFAB and the Laws of the Game
IFAB, the International Football Association Board, decides the Laws of the Game. It has eight votes: one each for the four British associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), and four votes for FIFA. To change a Law, six votes are required. The FA’s role in IFAB gives England a direct voice in how football’s rules evolve, including trials like VAR or changes to offside guidance.
Relationship with FIFA and UEFA
The FA is a member of FIFA and UEFA. It enters England teams into World Cups, Euros, and other championships. The FA also adopts international policies, such as transfer rules and disciplinary guidelines. Cooperation with UEFA and FIFA helps align calendars, rules, and standards, while still allowing The FA to tailor the game for English needs.
Hosting tournaments and bids
Wembley and English stadiums often host major matches and events. England has hosted tournaments, including games at Euro 1996 and Euro 2020, and the Women’s Euro 2022. The FA has also joined wider bids, such as the UK and Ireland winning the right to co-host UEFA Euro 2028. Hosting brings prestige and can boost participation and investment across the country.
How to Get Involved With The FA
Playing for a local team
If you want to play, start local. Search for clubs in your area, often listed by your County FA or on England Football platforms. Many clubs welcome beginners, children, adults, and walking footballers. Club volunteers can explain registration, training schedules, and match formats. There are leagues for different ages and abilities, including disability football pathways.
Becoming a coach
Coaching is a great way to give back. The FA offers an introductory course and further qualifications as you progress. Learning covers technical skills, player psychology, safeguarding, and inclusive coaching. You will also need a safeguarding course and background checks if you work with young people. Good coaches create a safe, positive environment where players can enjoy football and improve.
Becoming a referee
Refereeing keeps the game running. The FA’s referee course teaches the Laws and practical skills. New referees often start in youth leagues and build experience. There is support and mentoring, and a clear pathway to higher levels for those who want to advance. Refereeing improves your understanding of football and builds confidence and leadership.
Volunteering and club roles
Grassroots clubs rely on volunteers. Common roles include team manager, secretary, treasurer, welfare officer, and matchday support. The FA provides resources to help volunteers with finance, administration, and safeguarding. Clubs can earn accreditation by meeting standards for quality, welfare, and development, which helps parents and players choose safe, well-run setups.
Safeguarding and DBS checks
Player welfare is central. The FA requires safeguarding training for those working with children and vulnerable adults. Criminal record checks (DBS in England) are part of the process. Each club should have a welfare officer to manage concerns and ensure good practice. Clear policies and education make football safer for everyone.
Common Misunderstandings
The FA versus the Premier League
The Premier League is run by its clubs and is a separate organization. It manages its own competition, broadcast deals, and commercial strategy. The FA sanctions the Premier League and is the overall governing body for the sport in England, but it does not run the Premier League’s day-to-day operations. The two organizations work together on rules, discipline, and pathways.
The FA, the EFL, and County FAs
The English Football League (EFL) runs the Championship, League One, and League Two. County FAs manage local grassroots football. The FA sits above these, setting national policy, rules, and discipline frameworks. Think of The FA as the parent body, with the Premier League, EFL, and County FAs running their own areas under FA governance.
Association football versus American football
“Association football” is the formal name of the sport most people globally call football and some countries call soccer. “American football” is a different sport entirely. When you see “The Football Association” in an English context, it refers to association football.
Does The FA run VAR?
VAR is a tool within the Laws of the Game. The FA supports its use in competitions it runs, like later rounds of the FA Cup at Premier League grounds. In the Premier League, VAR is operated by the league and the refereeing body (PGMOL). The FA helps shape how VAR is used through IFAB and by applying protocols in its competitions, but it does not manage Premier League VAR operations.
Challenges and Debates
Grassroots facilities
Many communities need better pitches and changing rooms. Weather and heavy use can damage grass pitches. The FA, through the Football Foundation, invests in 3G artificial pitches and grass pitch improvements. The challenge is to reach every region and keep usage affordable so more people can play regularly.
Fixture congestion and player welfare
Modern football has many competitions and international windows. This can create fixture congestion, injuries, and fatigue. The FA works with leagues and UEFA to balance schedules. Protecting players, especially young ones, is important. Good planning, squad rotation, and medical support are all part of the solution.
Diversity and inclusion progress
The game is more inclusive than before, but there is more to do. The FA continues to address barriers facing underrepresented groups in coaching, refereeing, and leadership. Reporting systems and education aim to reduce discrimination and abuse. Role models in the women’s game and diverse national teams help encourage wider participation.
Technology and refereeing
VAR and goal-line technology have changed the sport. The FA must balance accuracy with flow and fan experience. Clear communication of protocols helps people understand decisions. Ongoing referee training and IFAB guidance aim to keep improvements steady without losing the heart of the game.
Financial fairness and governance reform
Money in football is uneven. Big clubs can spend far more than small ones. The FA supports rules around financial control, sustainability, and fair pay to ensure long-term health. Governance reforms encourage transparency, diversity on boards, and better decision-making. The goal is a system where success is earned on the pitch, but clubs remain stable off it.
Quick Facts and Numbers
Oldest governing body and a global lawmaker
The FA, founded in 1863, is the oldest football association. Through IFAB, it helps write and update the Laws of the Game. That gives England a unique influence on how football is played worldwide.
Wembley and major events
Wembley Stadium is The FA’s home for England matches and FA Cup finals. It hosts major sports and music events. Revenue from Wembley helps fund football at all levels in England, from the national teams to community pitches.
Competitions beyond the FA Cup
Along with the FA Cup and Women’s FA Cup, The FA runs the FA Youth Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase, and the FA Community Shield. These tournaments give clubs and players different pathways to compete, develop, and dream.
Women’s game growth
The women’s game has grown fast. The WSL is fully professional, and crowds have climbed sharply. The FA’s investments in coaching, talent pathways, and the Women’s FA Cup have helped raise standards. A new independent structure for top women’s leagues aims to bring even more growth while The FA remains the sport’s regulator and guardian.
What Makes The FA Important?
Consistency and fairness across the game
A single governing body helps keep rules, discipline, and safeguarding consistent. Whether it is a youth match on Sunday morning or a professional game at Wembley, everyone plays under the same principles. The FA keeps the system coherent so it feels like one sport joined by shared standards.
Open pathways from park to professional
One of football’s great strengths in England is the open pyramid. The FA’s structure allows small clubs to rise through promotions and qualify for national cup competitions. Players and coaches can move up too. The dream that a local kid can play at Wembley one day is real because The FA preserves these open pathways.
Protecting the game’s future
From safeguarding to facilities, The FA tries to make sure football’s future is strong. That includes investing money back into communities, training volunteers, and improving the fan experience. It also means making thoughtful decisions about new technology, competition formats, and scheduling to keep the game healthy.
Simple Ways The FA Affects Your Football Life
Your weekend game
If you play or coach at the weekend, your match is probably affiliated through your County FA under The FA’s rules. The pitch you use may have been improved by a Football Foundation grant. The coach who leads your team likely did FA courses. The referee passed an FA qualification. All those touches are how The FA supports your match, even when you do not notice it.
Your TV football experience
When you watch the FA Cup on TV, The FA is behind the competition format, scheduling, and discipline. England games at Wembley are The FA’s events. The shield match between league champions and FA Cup winners is the FA Community Shield. What you enjoy as a fan is shaped by The FA’s organization and partnerships.
Your child’s safe start in the game
If your child plays football, The FA’s safeguarding rules guide how adults behave and how clubs run. Age-appropriate rules shape the format so it is fun and safe. Education for coaches and welfare officers helps keep standards high. The FA’s work gives parents confidence that their children can enjoy the sport responsibly.
How The FA Works With Others
Clubs and leagues
The FA collaborates with clubs and leagues at all levels. The Premier League and EFL run their competitions, but they align with FA regulations. The FA sanctions player registrations, handles certain disciplinary matters, and agrees to competition rules. Cooperation keeps the game connected from top to bottom.
Government and partners
The FA works with government departments on sport policy, safety, and community health. Through the Football Foundation, it partners with the Premier League and the government to fund facilities. It also works with charities and organizations focused on inclusion, education, and welfare. These partnerships bring more resources and expertise to football.
Media and sponsors
Broadcast and sponsor deals fund much of The FA’s work. In return, media and sponsors get access to some of the sport’s biggest moments, like the FA Cup and England matches. The FA aims to balance commercial success with the spirit of the game and the need to support grassroots football.
Looking Ahead
Growing the women’s game
The women’s game will keep expanding. With an independent top-league structure and strong national teams, England is well placed to lead. The FA will continue to regulate, protect standards, and support participation for girls and women. The aim is a full, sustainable pyramid that mirrors the men’s game in opportunity and visibility.
Improving facilities and access
Better local facilities allow more people to play, more often, in all weather. The FA and its partners will continue investing in modern pitches and clubhouses, especially in areas with high demand. Equal access for underrepresented groups will remain a priority, so everyone can find a place in football.
Balancing tradition and innovation
Football moves forward with technology, sports science, and new competitions. At the same time, traditions like the FA Cup and Wembley finals matter to fans. The FA’s task is to respect history while keeping the game fresh, fair, and fun. Changes should improve the sport without losing what makes it special.
Conclusion
The Football Association is the guardian of English football. It is the oldest national association in the sport, and it still shapes the game today. The FA sets rules, runs iconic competitions, supports clubs, develops coaches and referees, and protects players through safeguarding and discipline. It is at Wembley for the biggest matches and at your local park for grassroots kick-offs.
When you cheer for England, dream about the FA Cup, or help a child lace up for their first game, The FA is part of that story. Understanding what The FA does makes football feel less distant and more connected. It shows how one organization can link the world stage and the local pitch. That link is why The FA matters—and why the game in England continues to grow for everyone who loves it.