EE Playmaker by England Football – Get Started in Grassroots Football

EE Playmaker by England Football is an online entry-level course for anyone aged 14+ who wants to take a more active role in grassroots football.

You don’t need previous football experience or coaching qualifications to get started.

The course introduces the basics of creating fun, safe and inclusive football. It can help you build the confidence and knowledge needed to support players and coaches.

It is particularly useful for parents who want to help at their child's football club. It also suits students, players and volunteers looking to get more involved.

At a glance

Course: EE Playmaker by England Football
Provider: England Football Learning
Course type: Online
Duration: Around five hours
Minimum age: 14
Experience required: None
Football qualifications required: None
Suitable for: Parents, volunteers, students and aspiring coaches
What you need: A FAN ID and internet-connected device

Who is EE Playmaker for?

EE Playmaker is designed to make getting involved in grassroots football feel much more accessible.

Perhaps your child's football team needs another pair of hands. You might want to help at your school, college or university team.

You could already play walking football and want to learn how to help others enjoy the game.

You might simply love football and fancy doing something positive within your local community.

Whatever your reason, you don't need to arrive with years of football knowledge.

The course is open to people from different backgrounds and experience levels.

What will I learn?

EE Playmaker covers the essential skills you need to start supporting grassroots football.

You'll learn how to create an inclusive football environment where players feel welcome.

The course also explores communication and motivation. These skills can help you encourage participation and create a positive experience for players.

You'll discover how to plan, deliver and review football activities.

The course introduces the STEP framework, which can help you adapt activities to meet the different needs of players.

Learn how to create fun football sessions

Football should be enjoyable, particularly at grassroots level.

EE Playmaker explores how positivity, game-based practice and plenty of time on the ball can create more engaging sessions.

You'll learn how to organise activities and adapt them to suit the people taking part.

You'll also explore ways to review sessions afterwards and identify what could make the experience even better next time.

Safety, safeguarding and medical emergencies

The course isn't only about what happens with the football.

EE Playmaker also introduces important information about creating a safe environment.

Modules cover planning for medical emergencies, recognising and responding to sudden cardiac arrest and managing concussion.

You'll also learn about safeguarding children, identifying poor practice and understanding how concerns should be reported.

Can 14 and 15-year-olds take EE Playmaker?

Yes. The minimum age for EE Playmaker is 14.

Young people aged 14 or 15 need a parent or guardian to add their account to their own account.

This makes EE Playmaker an interesting option for teenagers who love football and want to start developing new skills.

For families searching for things to do in Hampshire for teenagers, it could provide the first step towards volunteering in grassroots sport.

What can I do after completing EE Playmaker?

Completing EE Playmaker can prepare you to support a named coach within youth football.

You may also be able to support a Lead Playmaker within England Football participation programmes.

However, completing EE Playmaker alone does not qualify you to lead football sessions independently.

If you want to progress further, there are additional courses and requirements you can explore.

These can include safeguarding, first aid and appropriate DBS checks for eligible roles involving children.

You can also choose to progress to England Football's Introduction to Coaching Football course.

Good to know before you start

EE Playmaker is completed online, so you don't need to travel to a training venue.

You'll need an FA Number, known as a FAN ID, before accessing the course.

If you don't already have one, you can create an account before beginning your learning.

You can complete the course using a laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Reasonable adjustments can also be requested if you need additional support to access the course.

Getting involved in grassroots football in Hampshire

Hampshire has a thriving grassroots football community, with clubs, teams and football programmes operating throughout the county.

Volunteers play a huge role in making those opportunities possible.

If you've been standing on the sidelines wondering whether you could get involved, EE Playmaker provides an accessible place to begin.

Keep checking What's On Hampshire for Hampshire FA courses, football events, community programmes and other opportunities to get active.

You can also discover more things to do in Hampshire, from family activities to sports and community events.

FAQs

What is EE Playmaker by England Football?

EE Playmaker is an entry-level online course designed to help people become more involved in grassroots football.

How old do I need to be?

You must be aged 14 or over.

Do I need football experience?

No. You don't need previous football experience or qualifications.

How long does EE Playmaker take?

The course takes approximately five hours to complete.