Available Grant Funding

Two main grant streams are available to football clubs for pitch perimeter fencing. Both are well-established, well-funded programmes that have helped thousands of clubs across England.

How to Apply — Step by Step

The Football Foundation application process is straightforward. Here is exactly what to do, in the right order.

1. Check Your Eligibility

   Football Foundation fencing grants are open to affiliated clubs in England at any level — from Step 1 down to grassroots and Sunday league. Your club must be affiliated with your County FA. Confirm you are not already in receipt of an active Football Foundation fencing grant (maximum one application per season).

2. Get a Specification & Quote from Us

   The Football Foundation requires a specification showing: total perimeter length, fence height, fence construction type, number and type of gates, and total cost. Contact The Outdoor Look and we will provide all of this free of charge — including a marked-up site plan if needed. We respond within 24 hours. Having a professional specification from a reputable supplier strengthens your application.

3. Confirm Planning Permission Status

   At 1.1m height, planning permission is generally not required in England under permitted development rights. However, always confirm with your local planning authority before applying. The Football Foundation requires you to confirm planning permission status as part of the application — if it is required, you must have it in place before applying.

4. Prepare Your Application

   You will need: a site drawing or aerial photo showing the proposed fence location — our specification document — the total metre run, height and construction — number and type of gates — total project cost — planning permission confirmation — club bank details. The application is submitted online by the club Chair, Secretary or Treasurer.

5. Submit Your Application

   Apply online via the Football Foundation portal at footballfoundation.org.uk. A thorough, detailed application with clear supporting documentation gets a faster decision. The Football Foundation typically makes decisions within 10 working days of receiving a complete application.

6. Receive Approval & Place Your Order

   Once approved, you will receive a grant offer letter confirming the amount and conditions. At this point, place your order with The Outdoor Look. Do not order before receiving written grant approval — the Football Foundation will not accept retrospective applications and will not pay for work carried out before the grant is approved.

7. Complete Installation & Claim

   Once the fence is installed, submit your completion evidence to the Football Foundation — typically photos of the completed installation, invoices from the supplier, and any other evidence requested in your grant conditions. The grant is then paid to the club.

What You Need for Your Application — Full Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything before submitting. We provide everything marked with an asterisk (*) free of charge.

• Completed online application form (submitted by Chair, Secretary or Treasurer)
• Site drawing or aerial photo showing proposed fence position *
• Full fence specification — type, height, construction, total metre run *
• Number and type of gates *
• Total project cost (itemised quote) *
• Planning permission confirmation (or confirmation it is not required)
• Club bank account details
• Confirmation of club affiliation with County FA
• Confirmation no other active Football Foundation fencing grant is in place

Does My Club Need to Meet Ground Grading Requirements?

If your club is in the FA National League System (Steps 1–7), you are subject to FA Ground Grading requirements. The type of perimeter barrier required depends on your step:

• Steps 1–4: Mandatory permanent infilled barrier (1.1m high). Ball must not pass through or under. Hi-vis plastic fencing explicitly prohibited.
• Steps 5–6: Permanent fixed barrier required. Infill strongly recommended.
• Step 7: Post & rope minimum. Permanent barrier strongly advised for any club with promotion aspirations.

Grant funding from the Football Foundation is available at all of these levels — not just at the top of the pyramid. Many grassroots clubs are unaware that they can apply. Read our full FA Ground Grading Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions