England Futsal’s Fundraising Update: A Critical Review of Communication, Transparency, and Community Engagement

Evaluating Financial Strategies, Stakeholder Involvement, and Future Challenges

England Futsal recently issued an update regarding their fundraising efforts for the UEFA European Futsal Championship 2024-26. While the update provides a structured overview of the financial needs and progress, it also highlights several areas that require further clarification and improvement. This article offers an in-depth analysis of the update, focusing on clarity of communication, financial transparency, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, it addresses gaps related to past fundraising challenges, specific community requests, and the implications for the community if England Futsal  cannot meet the fundraising targets.

(Main picture source: The FA website)

The update outlines their financial requirements, detailing past experiences and future needs, which helps stakeholders understand the budgetary landscape. The document provides estimated costs for various components such as team travel and competition, offering a transparent view of how funds will be used. However, it falls short in some areas. Although the update mentions the need for additional funding, it does not specify how much has already been raised and from which sources, making it difficult to gauge overall progress. Additionally, the distinctions between the “Basic” and “Optimum” support packages are not well-defined, leaving stakeholders unclear about the differences in the support and resources offered.

It specifies the total gross amount required for the upcoming games (£183,000) and breaks down major cost categories like facility hire, accommodation, and flights. This level of detail helps stakeholders understand the allocation of funds. Furthermore, it emphasises that all raised funds are invested directly into the team and that the board is voluntary, adding credibility. However, the update would benefit from a more detailed financial statement showing the total amount raised versus the total required. This would provide a clearer picture of financial progress. The absence of information about financial audits or reviews also leaves room for concern regarding the management of funds.

Strategic planning is evident in the update’s approach to budgeting. The document considers both “Basic” and “Optimum” packages, reflecting a thoughtful approach to different levels of support and the associated costs of international competition. Mentioning previous international experiences adds credibility to their financial planning. Nevertheless, the update acknowledges uncertainties, such as the exact locations of matches, without outlining a strategy for managing these risks. A detailed risk management plan would enhance confidence in their financial strategy. Additionally, there is no information on how the organisation handles potential shortfalls or unexpected expenses, which is crucial for comprehensive financial planning.

In terms of stakeholder engagement, the update calls for community support and offers opportunities for businesses and philanthropists to contribute. The commitment to providing further updates ensures ongoing engagement with stakeholders. However, the update lacks specific details on how the community can contribute beyond general appeals. Concrete requests for monetary donations, in-kind support, and participation in fundraising events would better guide community involvement. Including testimonials or endorsements from past sponsors or partners could also build trust and encourage new contributions

A notable omission in the update is the lack of explanation regarding the challenges faced in raising the necessary funds despite being established for two years. Providing a brief overview of past fundraising efforts and obstacles encountered would offer valuable context. Similarly, the update does not specify what is required from the community in detail. Explicit requests for donations or in-kind support, along with clear instructions on how to get involved, would provide better guidance for potential supporters.

Furthermore, the update includes the confusing statement, “To explore how you can help the Lions & Lionesses to step onto their courts this year, email commercial@englandfutsal.com.” Given the recent announcement that the women’s team will be competing in the Women’s World Cup qualifiers, it raises questions about the inclusion of the Lionesses in this fundraising appeal. Clarification is needed to ensure that stakeholders understand the specific needs and goals for each team.

Importantly, the update does not address the potential consequences if the community cannot contribute the required funds. It remains unclear what the fallback plan is should the fundraising goals not be met. There is no mention of what measures are being taken to reduce dependence on community support. Understanding these contingencies would be crucial for stakeholders to assess the urgency and feasibility of the fundraising efforts.

It is also disappointing that England Futsal finds itself in this situation due to the lack of financial support from the FA. Unlike many football associations around the world that invest in futsal, the FA has chosen to limit its support to using futsal primarily as a grassroots development tool for football, rather than recognising and nurturing futsal as a standalone sport. This has left England Futsal in a precarious position, seemingly reliant on third-party fundraising to compete internationally as an official FA team.

When England Futsal was launched two years ago, it was established as an independent venture to manage futsal operations in England, in partnership with The FA. The aim was to provide long-term stability and growth for futsal. Led by sports administrator Stephen Mitchell, England Futsal was intended to oversee the grassroots development of the sport, including coach education, referee development, regional youth leagues, and talent inclusion programmes. Despite these early objectives, the current financial situation indicates that after nearly two years, the anticipated stability has still not yet been achieved.

In a previous article that we published, “England Futsal’s Financial Challenges and Optimism Amid International Draw Milestones,” a spokesperson from The FA commented on this partnership:

“In December 2022, we announced the launch of a new partnership with England Futsal, an independent venture with the aim of providing long-term stability and growth for Futsal in England. Since then, The FA has provided support for England Futsal to run Futsal CPD for coaches and referees as well as running a mentoring programme. The FA has also funded a National Youth Futsal Cup competition which will be taking place again during the 23/24 season. The launch of England Futsal has also seen the U19s men’s team compete in the UEFA EUROs 2022, and FA approval and endorsement for them to enter the senior England Futsal Teams in upcoming UEFA and FIFA competitions, based on the programme being funded and delivered by England Futsal. We look forward to continuing to work with England Futsal to support this format of the game.”

While the FA’s support in certain areas is acknowledged, the decision to outsource the overall funding and development of futsal to an independent body remains a point of contention. This approach contrasts with other football associations worldwide that fully fund and develop futsal as an integral part of their sports programmes. The reasons behind the FA’s decision to limit its investment in futsal to grassroots development, rather than providing comprehensive support, remain unclear and warrant further exploration.

Adding to the complexity, in 2023, the FA announced significant governance reforms aimed at modernising and diversifying the FA Council to better serve English football at all levels. FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE emphasised the transformative nature of these reforms, stating, “This is a transformative moment for the governance of the FA and one that will benefit every level of English football. These reforms also follow the important steps we took in July to restructure our FA Board to ensure that it has a majority of independent members.” Despite these progressive changes, the FA’s governance of futsal remains an area where further alignment with FIFA’s inclusive approach is needed. FIFA governs and includes futsal as part of the football family and structure, yet the English FA does not give the sport the same respect.

In conclusion, while England Futsal’s fundraising update effectively communicates key financial needs and progress, there are several areas for improvement. Enhancing the details on financial progress, identifying their past fundraising challenges, and providing clearer guidance on community involvement would strengthen the update. Addressing the potential implications of unmet fundraising goals and outlining actions to minimise community dependence is also critical. By addressing these issues, England Futsal could build greater transparency, trust, and support, ultimately helping them achieve their ambitious fundraising goals.

Points to Ponder:

• What are the specific reasons behind the fundraising challenges encountered over the past two years?
• How much has been raised to date and from whom and what is the exact shortfall remaining?
• What are the detailed differences between the “Basic” and “Optimum” support packages?
• How can the community contribute in specific, actionable ways?
• What contingency plans are in place if England Futsal cannot meet the fundraising targets?
• Will the community be held responsible if the fundraising goals are not met?
• What measures is England Futsal taking to reduce dependence on community support in the future?
• Why does the FA not provide more robust financial support for futsal, and what can be done to change this?
• How does the FA’s limited support for futsal impact the sport’s development and success in England?

You can read their update in full via this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sihzlMWqGkdcl8D0G4sRxVJZ1ga8ErEG/view

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

Futsal Focus

You can read more articles about International Futsal by going to the top navigation bar or by clicking here

If you like this article and would like to keep updated on Futsal news, developments, etc. You can now follow Futsal Focus via Google News. By following our page which will send you an alert as soon as we publish an article. Please click here and follow us on Google.

You can also keep updated on Futsal news, developments by submitting your email below in the Subscribe to Futsal Focus option.

Follow Futsal Focus by clicking on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or on the social media buttons on the website.