InPost locks in grassroots boost for cash-strapped English clubs

InPost has teamed up with The Football Association to roll out parcel lockers at grassroots clubs across England, offering a new income stream and a way to drive more regular footfall. 

Under the agreement, England Football Accredited clubs and County FAs will be invited to host lockers on-site at no cost. In return, clubs will be able to generate revenue from space that would otherwise sit unused, while bringing more people through the gates outside of matchdays and training.

With more than 15 million people involved in grassroots football each year, clubs are seen as well-placed community hubs – something both parties are looking to tap into.

For clubs, the pitch is straightforward: the lockers will bring in more visitors, so there’s in theory more potential spend. The lockers will operate 24/7 without the need for staff, which Inpost says will give local residents, players and parents a convenient way to send, collect and return parcels, while also increasing exposure to club facilities such as clubhouses and venue hire. 

Paul Selvey, Network Director at InPost UK said: “Grassroots football clubs play an essential role in communities across the UK and many are looking for sustainable ways to generate additional income.  

 “By installing an InPost Locker, clubs can turn unused space into a service people need every day, increasing footfall, supporting clubhouse revenue and offering local residents a fast, flexible way to collect and send parcels around their schedules. We’re proud to be working with The FA to help clubs unlock new value and reinvest back into the game.” 

Through the partnership, clubs will be encouraged to promote the lockers within their communities, with support from InPost and The FA in the form of guidance and campaign materials that can be tailored locally.

An initial group of clubs is already exploring how the lockers can be integrated into their sites, with a wider rollout expected through The FA’s network. 

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “Beyond delivering exceptional football, grassroots clubs across the country also offer vital community cohesion, acting as vibrant and accessible hubs in their local areas.

“Our new partnership with InPost offers clubs the chance to access a new stream of income by installing a locker, boosting their resources whilst benefitting busy communities. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact and opportunities unlocked through the partnership.”