FA University and College Grassroots Hubs – Impact Research Project

Building on a long established partnership with The FA, KKExcel has been contracted for the last three years to undertake an annual in-depth review of the 'FA University and College Grassroots Hubs Programme', since the programmes inception.

The initial rationale for the research was to identify the impact 'The FA University and College Grassroots Hub Network' is having against the following core project aims:

• Sustain and grow grassroots participation - more people playing, development of clubs and teams, increase participation from under-represented groups including BAME and females
• Develop effective, collaborative local football partnerships - identification of partners engaged and the format partnerships have adopted, identify if youth voice is influencing provision and critical success factors ensuring effective collaborative working
• Improved player experience - Investigate if the project is improving the player experience and has resulted in a positive 'change in behaviour' from the perspective of the participants, contributing to a desire to play football more often.

Specific research questions included within the brief each year have evolved, reflecting the growth of the Hub Network and changing areas of focus.

By using a variety of formats to illustrate the impact of the programme has enabled The FA, AoC Sport and BUCs to showcase to senior management teams within both colleges and universities just how effective football can be as a vehicle for student's personal and leadership development, whilst also contributing to corporate objectives such as employability, retention, recruitment and the health and well being of students.

The research findings have also been used to make a compelling case to Sport England to assist with gaining continued investment.