Paypal In FA Grassroots Payments Deal
The FA has signed a new four-year partnership agreement with PayPal, centred on providing a mobile payment solution for grassroots match fees.
As part of the deal, the two parties will collaborate on a new FA Matchday App, which will give more than a million grassroots footballers across England the opportunity to pay their match fees and fines using their smartphones. More than 70% of club officials have previously said they would welcome such a system.
By digitising and simplifying the process of collecting and tracking payments, the FA estimates that the app will help grassroots clubs recover millions of pounds that currently go uncollected every season.
Until now, the grassroots game has largely relied on money changing hands in person, with 80% of clubs taking cash and 38% using cheques to collect payment.
Almost three quarters of club officials admit they currently waste time chasing late payments from players and parents, and a third of clubs report that up to 40% of their match fees are not collected.
Commenting on the development, Russell James, Director of Digital Engagement at The FA, said: “This signals our intent to further bring grassroots football into the digital age, making the game more accessible for all.
“Importantly this service will help save time and reduce administration for those people who dedicate their time to organising the football that so many people enjoy.
“Working with PayPal, the market leaders in their field, can only have a positive impact for everyone at grassroots football.”
Rob Harper, Director of Mobile Payments at PayPal UK added: “Technology is enabling us to move away from cash in almost all aspects of life, and the beautiful game is next. Those forgotten fivers to pay for subs soon add up, and become a real headache for managers.
“Together with The FA, we’ve devised an easy way for players to leave their wallet or chequebook at home, and use their PayPal digital wallet to settle up instead. With over 24 million PayPal account holders in the UK, we are well placed to drive positive and lasting change for the sport.”
The FA Matchday App also includes functionality allowing club secretaries, managers and coaches to organise matches and training, select their line-up, and instantly give updates to their team. Players can share their availability, view all future fixtures and keep an eye on the tables and results.
PayPal’s new partnership with The FA will also include support for other grassroots football initiatives, including the opportunity for teams to redeem free football training kit and equipment.
