Strengthening School Football: Why National Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

Sep, 2025

Across England, schools continue to champion football as a powerful driver of participation, teamwork and personal development. Yet delivering high-quality sport requires consistent standards, reliable equipment and strong national collaboration.

As the governing body for schools’ football, the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) plays a critical role in providing children with opportunities to enjoy and develop through the game, running competitions and development programmes across the country.

Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership

Through its specialist sports brand, Davies Sports, Findel has become the ESFA’s official sports resources partner, providing access to high-quality football and PE equipment for schools nationwide.

The partnership will also see Davies Sports support the ESFA’s wide-ranging programme of competitions and initiatives, helping thousands of children the chance to take part in football each year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Davies Sport as an official partner of the ESFA. Their reputation for quality and their commitment to supporting schools with football and PE equipment perfectly aligns with our mission to give every school pupil the opportunity to enjoy football. We look forward to working together to strengthen the sporting experience for young people across England.” — Tony James, Chair of the ESFA

Delivering Practical Value to Schools

For school leaders managing tight budgets, access to dependable equipment providers offers reassurance that investment will translate into meaningful participation.

Reliable resources help ensure consistency, safety and inclusion — particularly for pupils discovering organised sport for the first time.

“We are proud to be partnering with the English Schools’ Football Association and supporting the incredible work it does to inspire young people through football. Football plays such an important role in participation, teamwork and personal development. We’re excited that Davies Sport can help enhance those experiences by providing high-quality equipment to pupils across the country.” — Paul Clarke, Sales Director at Findel

Supporting Education for Generations

Findel’s heritage in education spans more than 200 years. Partnerships such as this demonstrate how collaboration between governing bodies and trusted suppliers can strengthen participation, inclusion and long-term wellbeing outcomes for pupils across England.