Hampshire FA – Grassroots Football, Courses and Opportunities Across Hampshire

Hampshire FA is the governing body for grassroots football in Hampshire, helping people of all ages and abilities get involved in the game.

Serving Hampshire’s football community since 1887, Hampshire FA supports grassroots clubs, players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the county. It also develops opportunities for women and girls, disabled players and people looking for recreational football.

Whether you want to find a local football session, start coaching or become a referee, Hampshire FA is a great place to start.

At a glance

• Governing body for grassroots football in Hampshire
• Supporting Hampshire football since 1887
• Opportunities for children, teenagers and adults
• Women and girls' football programmes
• Disability and inclusive football opportunities
• Recreational and competitive football
• Coaching development and CPD
• Referee development and courses
• County cups, clubs and leagues
• Four football facilities across Hampshire

Football for everyone in Hampshire

Hampshire FA works to make football accessible to more people and supports both competitive and recreational opportunities.

That means you do not need to be an experienced footballer to get involved.

There are opportunities for people trying football for the first time, returning after a break or looking for a new way to play.

The organisation's work covers adult, youth and disability football alongside coach support, club development and equality, diversity and inclusion.

If you are searching for things to do in Hampshire that help you get active and meet new people, explore their latest programmes.

Girls' and women's football in Hampshire

Hampshire FA supports a growing range of opportunities designed specifically for women and girls.

Younger players can discover programmes designed to introduce football in a friendly and welcoming environment.

For girls aged 12 to 14, Squad Girls' Football provides a fun, non-competitive way to enjoy the game. Sessions focus on developing football skills, confidence and friendships.

There are also recreational opportunities for women aged 16 and over. These are designed for both complete beginners and people returning to football after time away.

Keep an eye on What's On Hampshire for upcoming girls' football sessions, events and opportunities.

Disability and inclusive football

Hampshire FA supports disability football programmes across the county.

This includes Comets, a recreational pan-disability football programme for disabled children aged 5 to 11.

Sessions focus on having fun while developing confidence, independence and social relationships. FA-qualified coaches with specific programme training deliver the sessions.

Hampshire FA's Football Development team also supports disability programmes, recreational sessions, disability club development and walking football.

Want to become a football coach?

Hampshire FA supports people who want to start coaching or continue developing their skills.

Its coach development work includes football coaching, continued professional development, commonly known as CPD, and coach education support.

Look out for coaching courses, workshops and development events throughout the season.

These opportunities can be useful for existing coaches, volunteers, parents and anyone interested in becoming more involved in grassroots football.

Become a referee in Hampshire

Fancy seeing football from a completely different angle?

Hampshire FA supports the development of registered referees and people looking to start their refereeing journey.

Referee courses combine knowledge of the Laws of the Game with practical skills, positioning, decision-making and match management.

There are also opportunities for younger people. The FA Mini Soccer Referee Course, for example, is designed for people aged 14 and above.

Hampshire FA football facilities

• Hampshire FA operates four football facilities across Hampshire:
• Stoneham Lane Football Complex
• King George V Football Complex
• Front Lawn Community Hub
• Winklebury Football Complex

The facilities support grassroots football and provide important spaces for football development across the county.

Opening times vary between sites and can also change depending on bookings.

Events, competitions and what's on

Hampshire FA's work goes far beyond weekly football matches.

Throughout the season, look out for football events, courses, community sessions, workshops, county competitions and development opportunities.

This makes Hampshire FA worth following if you regularly search for what's on in Hampshire, particularly if your family loves sport.

We will also be sharing selected Hampshire FA events and opportunities through What's On Hampshire, making them easier to discover alongside other local activities.

Good to know before you go

Football sessions, courses and events take place at different venues across Hampshire, rather than at one single location.

Always check the individual event or programme before travelling. Booking requirements, age restrictions, accessibility and facilities will vary depending on the activity and venue.

If accessibility is important to you, contact Hampshire FA or the individual programme provider before attending.

Likewise, dog policies will depend on the football ground or facility being used.

Make football part of your next Hampshire day out

Football might not immediately spring to mind when searching for the best family days out in Hampshire, but Hampshire FA offers plenty of ways to get involved.

Children can discover a new sport, teenagers can develop their skills and adults can return to football in a more relaxed environment.

There are also opportunities to coach, referee, volunteer or become involved with a local club.

With programmes taking place across the county, you can often combine football with other local attractions, places to eat and family activities.

Check What's On Hampshire for more things to do in Hampshire, family activities, sporting events and community events near you.

FAQs about Hampshire FA

What is Hampshire FA?

Hampshire FA is the governing body for grassroots football in Hampshire. It has served the local football community since 1887.

Is Hampshire FA just for experienced footballers?

No. Hampshire FA supports opportunities for beginners, recreational players and competitive players across different ages and abilities.

Does Hampshire FA offer girls' football?

Yes. Hampshire FA supports women and girls' football, including recreational and development opportunities.

Are there football opportunities for disabled children?

Yes. Programmes include Comets, which provides recreational pan-disability football for disabled children aged 5 to 11.

Can adults get involved?

Yes. Hampshire FA supports adult competitive and recreational football, including opportunities for women and walking football.