Players, coaches, referees, parents, supporters, volunteers, clubs and leagues have a chance to share their experiences of community football and highlight potential opportunities for improvement through the 2018/19 Grassroots Football Survey.

Now in its fourth season after being launched in 2015/16, almost 90,000 participants have voiced their opinions to date on the grassroots provision in their local area and helped to influence the allocation of investment and resources by The FA and County FAs. The 2018/19 survey can now be completed at www.TheFA.com/HaveYourSay until Monday 5th November.

Amongst a wide range of activities and developments, last season’s feedback directly resulted in the implementation of 18 SSE Wildcats Centres in Dorset, which provide football opportunities for 5-11-year-old girls, £948,210 of facility investment in Derbyshire and trials of Temporary Dismissals - otherwise known as ‘Sin Bins’ - in Cornwall.

Martin Glenn, The FA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Grassroots Football Survey has grown season-on-season. Since its introduction in 2015/16, it has given us greater insight and understanding of the community football landscape, which has helped us shape and improve our decision-making processes across the grassroots game.”

"Community football facilities are the perfect example. Despite a number of excellent programmes in place, feedback from previous surveys has repeatedly shown many are inadequate and require further investment. Whilst happy with the availability of grass pitches, participants generally report they are of poor quality.”

“This key information allows us to prioritise development and resources in these areas. This season we want to reach more participants than ever before and make improvements necessary to ensure the continuous development of grassroots football in this country."

Brendan Walshe, Essex County FA Chief Executive, said: “It’s our role to make sure as many people in Essex are playing the game, and that the people already in football are enjoying a safe and rewarding experience. We’re listening for the voice of local football to tell us how we’re doing and what still needs to be done to keep grassroots heading in a positive direction.”

“We want the views of everyone. It would be interesting to hear of peoples’ experiences and how they think we should develop the game locally. It’s our dedicated local workforce who have helped to shape local and national strategies by telling us what is needed, and where. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will make a real impact on the future of local football.”

Visit www.TheFA.com/HaveYourSay before the deadline on Monday 5th November 2018 to take part. Information on local grassroots football can also be found in the menus above, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.