Budleigh Youth FC is highlighting opportunities for families to access financial support and cost-saving options for sports goggles — specialist eyewear designed for children who normally wear glasses during sport. Wearing regular glasses while playing football can risk injury and may even be ruled unsafe under the Laws of the Game, so proper protective eyewear is strongly recommended. devonfa.com – Sports Goggles guidance
Sports goggles are designed with impact-resistant lenses and secure straps to stay in place during dynamic play, making them much safer than everyday glasses. They also give children better vision and confidence on the pitch — helping them play freely without distraction or discomfort in training and matches.
Funding and discount options
Adam Stansfield Foundation Grants – A local Devon-area charity that provides grants for football-related activities and equipment for children up to 18. Parents or clubs can apply for support towards the cost of sports equipment (including sports goggles) by completing an application form. Apply for Funding – Adam Stansfield Foundation
Action for Sport – A UK charity that helps families gain access to sporting equipment through exclusive retailer discounts and support. While not goggles-specific, parents can explore this for reduced-cost football kit and equipment overall, which may free up budget for eyewear. Action For Sport
Suffolk FA Safe Eyewear Fund – Although run by a different county FA, this scheme shows the kind of targeted support that exists elsewhere: clubs can apply on behalf of players for help with purchasing sports eyewear. It’s worth asking Devon FA or your club whether a similar fund can be set up locally. Suffolk FA Safe Eyewear Fund
Specsavers optical vouchers – If your child qualifies for an NHS eye test or optical voucher, this can help towards the cost of prescription eyewear (lenses and frames) which can then be adapted to sports goggles by an optician. Check eligibility for an NHS optical voucher. Specsavers NHS optical vouchers
Club-specific partnerships – Some County FAs (e.g., Cumberland FA) and their partners (like Specsavers) run reimbursement schemes for young players’ protective eyewear. While there isn’t a known Devon scheme yet, it’s worth asking your club or County FA to explore similar partnerships. (Based on a similar scheme in Cumberland that reimburses up to 50 % of protective eyewear costs.
Why this matters
Making sure players have proper sports goggles not only improves safety by reducing the risk of eye injury, it also ensures referees won’t rule out everyday glasses during play. This prevents unnecessary barriers to participation and helps young players stay confident and competitive on the field.
Action for parents: Explore the funding and support links above, speak with your optician about prescription sports goggles, and contact your club or Devon FA about possible equipment support schemes. Investing in proper sports eyewear helps keep your child safe, comfortable and fully involved in every game and training session.