Players, coaches, referees, staff and general volunteers have an opportunity to provide us with constructive feedback through the 2017 ‘Grassroots Football Survey’, which offers unparalleled insight into the amateur levels by providing a platform for those directly involved in the game.

Across the country, 28,750 and 30,161 people demonstrated a commitment to improving football at a grassroots level by completing the 2015 and 2016 versions of the survey respectively. Responses in previous years have successfully highlighted areas of particular importance to the community in Essex.

These have included the rating of pitch availability and quality, parents’ opinions as to the standard of football played by their children and receiving useful updates relating to grassroots football. It is hoped that this year’s edition will draw in an even greater level of responses, highlight the progress made and indicate any remaining challenges in order to deliver open and flexible playing opportunities For All.

Kelly Simmons, FA Director of Participation and Development, said: “Since launching in 2015, the Grassroots Football Survey has started to become a fixture of the football season at this level. The real and measurable feedback provided in this survey will allow us to continue prioritising and maximising in the areas that really matter, so I would encourage everyone from Essex who is directly involved in the game to take part.”

Click here to complete the 2017 Grassroots Football Survey by Monday 30th October. You can also stay up-to-date with local football news by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.