Setting Up a New Football Club

At Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, we welcome the growth of new clubs that provide safe, fun and inclusive football opportunities for their members.

This guide outlines the process for creating a new football club.

Before You Apply

Before setting up a new club, it's important to consider why you want to create one.

Moving from an Existing Club?

New clubs should create new opportunities for players, rather than simply moving players from one club to another.

If you are currently involved with an existing club, we encourage you to make every effort to resolve any issues before deciding to set up a new club.

Starting a Brand-New Club?

If you are looking to establish a club in an area where there are already existing clubs, it may be worth contacting them to see whether they can accommodate your team. Joining an established club can often provide greater long-term sustainability and support.

Things to Consider

Before completing a New Club Application, ask yourself:

• Do you have enough players?
• Where will you play your fixtures? (Pitch Finder)
• Which league do you intend to join? (Please contact your chosen league before completing the application form.)
• Club Committee Requirements

All clubs must have, as a minimum:

• Club Secretary
• Treasurer
• Chairperson
• Welfare Officer

Sustainable clubs are built around a team of volunteers, rather than one person fulfilling multiple roles. We encourage clubs to recruit a range of volunteers and ensure their committee reflects the diversity of their members.

View the mandatory requirements for club committee members.

Equipment and Funding

As a new club, you are likely to need:

• Playing kit
• Footballs
• Cones and bibs
• Other essential equipment

It is important to consider how these costs will be funded.

Please note that there is no funding available to create new clubs. Funding is generally aimed at supporting existing clubs to grow and develop new teams.

Most grassroots clubs generate income through:

• Player membership fees (subs)
• Sponsorship from local businesses

Next Steps

If you have considered all of the above and are ready to proceed, please complete the New Club Application Form.

The application form will ask for information including:

• Proposed club name
• Club officials
• Planned teams and age groups
• Other key details about your club

Complete the New Club Application Form

Once submitted, a member of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA team will review your application and contact you to discuss the next steps.