help with your application

Guidance and advice

The GSS application is a short and easy form to complete. If you have any questions about completing the form you can read the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If your question can not be answered, applicants should make contact with the Goalpost Safety Scheme Support Officers by emailing goalpostsafety@footballfoundation.org.uk or by calling 0845 345 4555 ext 4214.

Guidance notes have been produced by The FA to assist applicants with the process of checking the standard of goals.

Frequently asked question?

Can I buy goals now and make an application for a grant later?

No, this would be classed as retrospective funding, which the Foundation does not support.

Applicants looking for funding for goalposts are required to complete an application form first and then wait to receive a decision from the Football Foundation before purchasing goals. 

Does the Foundation fund the installation of new goalposts?

No, successful applicants are not eligible to use any of their grant aid to assist with the installation of goalposts. Please note - it is important that goalpost manufacturers’ guidance is followed closely and goalposts are correctly installed as per manufacturers’ instructions.

Does an applicant need freehold or a lease on the land where the goals will be placed in order to be eligible for goalpost funding?

We do not require an applicant to have the freehold or leasehold of the land where the goals will be placed. Below are some scenarios which may apply to applicants to the Goalpost Safety Scheme.

• The organisation has security of tenure via freehold. (This will be if the applicant owns the land). You are not required to provide documentation of this.

• The organisation has security of tenure via a lease. (This would be a lease gained via the landowner, for example land owned by the Parish Council etc.) You must provide a copy of your lease, including signatures. We cannot process an application until this document has been received.

• The organisation does not own the freehold of the site or have a formal lease. You must provide an original letter of support from the land owner or leaseholder, setting out the arrangement your organisation has with them. This may be:

• a licence; or

• an informal agreement for using the site.

We cannot process an application until this document has been received. The document should be signed on letterheaded paper with the contact details of the person signing. Please set out any conditions of the lease, such as clauses giving the landlord the right to cancel your lease, which may affect your tenancy. Where possible, confirmation that the goals will remain the property of the applicant should be included.

• The organisation is a school, and the land is owned by the local authority or diocese. A letter from the head teacher confirming this should be provided.

• The organisation is a school, and the land is owned by a third party. A lease agreement or original letter of support from the landowner should be provided.

Please note that we prefer to receive documents scanned and sent via email.

How much can we expect to pay for delivery?

All prices quoted on suppliers’ flyers include delivery in mainland England.

Can our club buy goals through a local provider?

No. Goals must be purchased direct through one of the scheme's suitable suppliers noted on the Foundation’s website.

Can I purchase goals that are not currently listed on the application form?

No. The Foundation can only provide grant aid for the goals listed in the suppliers' flyers. 

Our organisation has a building society account instead of a bank account, can the Foundation transfer the grant aid into this?

The Foundation cannot transfer the grant aid into a Building Society account. Please provide an alternative club bank account to transfer the grant aid into. If this is not possible, a cheque can be sent to your organisation if requested in advance.