Building better grassroots clubs in Finland, Ireland and Wales
Friday, September 25, 2026
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As part of our UEFA Grassroots Week celebrations, we look at how three national associations are strengthening the organisations that form the basis of the football pyramid.
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Grassroots clubs are the foundation of European football, providing millions of people with the opportunity to play.
Strengthening the game means increasing participation and raising standards on the pitch, but also improving the overall quality of environments and experiences for everybody involved.
Here, we highlight how three national associations are doing just that to ensure grassroots clubs are the best place for young players to develop their skills in a safe, enjoyable environment.
A shared framework in Finland
For more than a decade, the Football Association of Finland’s (SPL) Club Charter has helped the country’s clubs assess how they run and improve their structures – ultimately benefitting the players they serve.
Based on an internationally recognised management model, the charter provides a common framework for clubs to consider their mission, direction and impact. These assessments are then used to improve leadership, coaching and governance, with a focus on continuous improvement.
The charter covers 200 clubs, which together represent around 80% of all registered youth players in Finland.
SPL staff carry out more than 800 club visits each year, while annual assessments involve self-evaluations, written and data-based evidence, interviews with club representatives and training session observations. A centralised management and data platform facilitates cooperation between experts from different SPL departments.
This combination of national standards, direct contact and reliable data helps turn assessment into practical improvement. Clubs receive a clear view of their strengths and needs, while the association is able to provide targeted support.
Commitment to continuous improvement in Ireland
Running a strong grassroots club is about more than organising matches and training. Good governance, effective safeguarding processes and robust administration are also essential. The Football Association of Ireland’s Club Mark programme brings those elements together in a clear, three-tier accreditation pathway.
The entry-level tier establishes the foundations of good governance, administration, safeguarding, vetting and legal compliance. Further levels involve standards around player and coach development, the quality of the club environment, sustainability and community engagement, including building strong links with schools and local facilities.
Initially a voluntary process, in 2026 the FAI made Club Mark’s entry-level accreditation a requirement for all affiliated clubs, turning it into a core standard for grassroots football across the country. An additional tier is being developed for 2027, with the aim of creating a bridge towards achieving League of Ireland licensing.
The programme shows how a clear, supported framework can raise standards while giving every club a realistic next step.
"FAI Club Mark provides a clear journey for grassroots clubs, raising standards, strengthening communities and creating a sustainable pathway through the game."
UEFA Grassroots Week 2026
Improving provision for girls in Wales
Helping clubs expand opportunities for girls has been a focus of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) over recent seasons.
Building on the inspiration provided by Wales’s historic qualification for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, the FAW launched the Amser Ni fund, helping grassroots clubs establish new teams for girls aged six to nine during the 2025/26 season.
Extending that impact further, a new Girls Team Development Fund has since been launched with the goal of creating 150 new Under-6 to Under-9 teams by 2028.
Participating clubs can receive funding to help cover the costs associated with establishing a team, including playing kits, registration, coach education, facility hire and venue fees. By helping reduce financial barriers, more girls are getting the chance to experience organised football – and perhaps develop a lifelong love of the game.
"This fund is a key part of our mission to grow the game for girls, giving clubs the resources they need to welcome more girls into football and foster a sense of belonging in our football community."
European Week of Sport
UEFA Grassroots Week takes place during the European Week of Sport (23-30 September), which brings together millions of participants through hundreds of thousands of activities, encouraging people to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.
This year, the #BeActive campaign emphasises that sport and physical activity should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.