During the 2001/02 season, The Football Association carried out a programme of on-site inspection and testing of goalpost sets at a number of sites across the country. Some of the findings are as follows:
Of all goals tested, 41% of mini-soccer goals, 50% of 5-a-side goals and 22% of junior goals failed stability tests. Ground conditions can affect the stability of goals therefore it is important to liaise with manufacturers on the appropriate ground fixings in relation to weather conditions.
To replace goals which fail to meet the British Standards safety requirements, as well as providing funding for new goals to ensure that all goals purchased for grassroots football meet British Standards EN 748 (2004) and 8462 (2005). They must also meet The FA's Guidance Notes Parts 1 and 2.
The goals targeted for replacement include:
- Pre-1996 i.e. before British Standards were produced
- Metal cup hooks on posts and crossbars
- Wooden
- Freestanding
- Mini-Soccer goals which are now incomplete
- Corroded or rusted.
Applications are welcome from FA affiliated clubs, local authorities, schools (that demonstrate commitment to football and FA Charter Standard), local community groups and clubs in the National League System Step 7 and below. Clubs in Steps 3 - 6 of the National League System can apply for replacement goals for their U18 youth teams. This applies where the under-18s team does not use the same pitch as the Club’s first team.
Those that are ineligible to apply include professional clubs including their Academies and Centres of Excellence; clubs that do not have an open membership policy, clubs in the National League System Steps 1 and 2 and commercial operators.
Goals may be purchased using suitable suppliers. Any goal purchased from any other source outside of this will be deemed ineligible for funding. The Foundation does not fund retrospectively and will not consider applications for goals which are ordered or purchased before an offer of grant aid has been made.
An individual grant cannot exceed 50% of the cost of a pair of goals up to a ceiling of £3,000. An applicant (such as a local authority) may apply for up to a maximum of 10 grants.
For an application form, please visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk