A year ahead of schedule The FA Mars Just Play programme today celebrates reaching one million attendances at sessions across the country.
To mark the achievement, the Wembley arch was lit up in ‘Mars red’ and a select group of Just Play players were treated to an exclusive tour of the national stadium in the company of former England defender Graeme Le Saux.
Le Saux, who won 36 senior England caps, said: “It was great to spend time with some of the players from around the country who have benefitted from Just Play.
“Everyone understands how important grassroots football is to the national game and it was heart-warming to talk the some of the players and hear first-hand the benefits – both physical and social – that they have felt because of the initiative.”
Since launching in 2011, The FA Mars Just Play initiative has established itself as one of the biggest and fastest-growing programmes to encourage adults to get active and play football.
With more than 300 Just Play Centres nationwide providing players with fun, flexible formats of play, as well as access to facilities and over 500 FA-accredited organisers, The FA Mars Just Play programme enables players of all abilities to take part in casual football at a time that suits them.
The FA participation and development director Kelly Simmons said: “To reach this landmark one year ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement and highlights the enduring popularity of the Just Play initiative in local communities throughout the country.
“Over the past five years of Just Play, we have seen numerous examples of the positive impact that football can have on people’s lives and we are thrilled that so many continue to benefit from the programme.”
The 2017 FA Mars Just Play Awards, which will celebrate the achievements of Just Play Centres, organisers, teams and players nationwide, will take place at St. George’s Park, the official training ground of the England national football teams this summer.
If you know a Just Play Centre, organiser, team or player who you think deserves recognition, click here to nominate them for a Just Play Award
To find your local Just Play session, click here
