Football for all

We can help

As an inclusive community football club, it’s always our aim to welcome anyone who wants to play their football with us, into our club. We know that in recent years, and especially with the current cost of living crises, cost can become a barrier to accessing club football for some players. We’re addressing this with our new Football for All policy, by identifying and supporting any individual(s) that could, at times, struggle to meet club fees, so they can continue/start their membership of Canterbury Eagles.

Help with fees

If you’re thinking of either leaving the club or are put off joining because you are concerned about keeping up with payments, please see the details of our Football for All policy below. If you are still unsure of whether you are eligible or how to apply, please speak to your Team Administrator.

Football for All Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the process for players and parents to apply for and receive a reduction in monthly fees. 

The goal is to ensure access to football for all, regardless of circumstances, while maintaining the financial sustainability of the club and its individual teams.

Out of scope

Activities provided on a pay-per-play basis, such as Wildcats and Saturday Soccer, are excluded from this policy as well as players in Year 2 or below, who receive free school meals without means testing.

Eligibility Criteria

Players and families may be eligible for reduced fees if they meet the following conditions: 

• Existing or new players between Year 3 (under 8) and Year 13 (under 18)

• Required to pay monthly membership fees

• In receipt of means-tested free school meals

Request Process

Submission of a Football for All request by the player or parent/guardian. This should include:

• Personal information of the player

• Reason for the request

• Supporting documentation/evidence of low income such as Free School Meals, Universal Credit or “Holiday Activities & Food Voucher”

Submission is made entirely in confidence to the Club and will be supported by Team Administrators, Welfare and Executive members.

Requests will be acknowledged within 7 days. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure all necessary documents are provided to the reviewers to make an informed and fair decision . 

Decision-Making Process

The review will:

• Check documentation to be correct and accurate

• Confirm that the player meets the eligibility criteria

Additional conversations may be held with the player/parent/guardian for clarification, as required.

All reviews will be conducted confidentially to respect the privacy of the player and parent/guardian. Wider club volunteers will not be notified of these requests and outcomes unless required to complete our obligations or by parent/guardian disclosure.

The outcome will be one of the following:

• 25% reduction in fees

• Declined request with reasons provided

The decision will be communicated in writing (email), and families will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Authorisation of Reduced Fees

Upon approval, the club will adjust the fee structure for the player, reflecting the agreed reduction. The reduced/waived fees will be effective from the month following the decision, or as otherwise specified in the decision letter. 

The reduction will last for the remainder of the membership payment period, or earlier if the situation changes. Applicants will be required to submit requests annually, ideally, before September.

Membership registration fees are excluded from any requests; these fees will be payable by all members and are only superseded by existing volunteer fee remission policies.

Additional support requests

Requests for additional support beyond member fee remission will be considered on the same criteria on a case by case basis, however it is expected that the club’s support in remission should be reasonable enough to enable inclusive football for all.

Limited Attendance, Missing Sessions, Injury or Illness 

As most of the club's costs (kit, equipment, pitches, training facilities) are fixed and based on a season of competition and not the number of players participating from week to week there will be no deductions for players with injuries or players who cannot attend every session or match. 

If players wish to avoid monthly fees, they can “leave” the club and reregister when they are ready to play again.   

Appeals Process

If a request is declined or the reduction offered does not meet the needs of the player and parent/guardian, an appeal can be submitted within 14 days of receiving the decision. Appeals should:

• Be made in writing, outlining why the decision should be reconsidered

• Include any additional supporting information or documents

The appeal will be reviewed by an independent committee within 14 days, and the final decision will be communicated thereafter.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All personal information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality. Data will only be accessible to those responsible for reviewing the request and will be stored securely in line with data protection regulations. 

Monitoring and Reporting

The club will maintain records of all reduced fee applications, decisions, and the total financial impact on the club and teams. Anonymised data will be reviewed by the committee annually to ensure the sustainability and fairness.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed based on the volume of use but at least annually to ensure it meets the community's needs and the club’s financial capacity.

Contact Information for Requests and Enquiries: welfare@canterburyeaglesfc.co.uk 

Effective Date: 13 December 2024

Next Review Date: June 2025