Cumberland FA is delighted to announce that its partnership with Specsavers has been renewed for an eighth season, which will see more players benefit in 2024/25.

Since the partnership began in 2018, more than 300 young players across Cumberland have benefitted from over £14,000 which has been directly invested by the County FA into a scheme that supports safe and inclusive football across the county.

Registered youth league players aged 18 and under, who currently wear or need glasses to participate in grassroots football leagues within Cumberland, are once again eligible for up to a 50% reimbursement on protective eyewear from Specsavers stores within Carlisle, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington.

In addition to this, for the first time ever, all registered youth referees and players who play for or are involved with Cumberland FA affiliated clubs/teams within our Ability Counts League can also apply for a bursary towards the cost of any prescribed eyewear from the selected Specsavers Stores. 

For the 2024/25 season this will include an agreed 50% contribution for a wider level of prescription glasses, which will include: 

Tier 1 - 50% of £100 Total cost for Sphere +3/-6 Up to 2 cyl
Tier 2 - 50% of £150 Total cost for Sphere +6/-8 up to 4 cyl
Tier 3- 50% of £200 Total cost for Sphere 9/-10 up to 4 cyl

Any specialist orders, which are over £200, will be considered on a case-by-case basis and applicants are asked to discuss with Cumberland FA to agree a contribution before purchasing. 

Ben Snowdon, Cumberland FA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The FA recommends protective eyewear but recognises that this may be an issue for children playing in grassroots football. As a County FA, we have tried to reduce this uncertainty, ensuring the safety of both the wearer and other players, but most importantly encouraging and supporting new and existing players in playing the game. We are delighted that we have been able to continue our partnership with Specsavers – and we thank the four stores for their continued support of the local game.”

Daniel Wood, Specsavers Retail Director, added: “It's a pleasure to continue our partnership with Cumberland FA and in supporting youth players and referees with protective eyewear. Our staff at Specsavers are committed to supporting this initiative and we look forward to helping all with visual needs to ensure that they can play football safely.”

THE APPLICATION PROCESS 

Applicants must inform the stores (Carlisle, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington) that they wish to apply for a bursary through The Cumberland FA Scheme.  

Applicants will have to pay for the glasses in full and then, if approved, the County FA will reimburse 50% of the cost (for Tier 1 to 3) within 28 days of the application.

As well as the support from Cumberland FA, the Carlisle Glass Longhorn Youth Football League and the West Cumbria Youth League have once again confirmed their commitment to provide a further £50 off the cost to registered players within their respective leagues and, so long as the player/referee qualifies for and subject to league confirmation, this contribution will be automatically added to any claim (meaning that you no longer need to apply to the league directly). 

The application form is available here

The eyewear will come with a one-year warranty, and it should be noted that applicants cannot re-apply for the funding within a 12-month period unless the prescription changes.

Our recommended insurance broker, Sportsguard, offers up to £50 for broken or damaged sports glasses through their youth team personal accident policy. 

Please note that this season’s scheme will close on the 31st of May 2025 and no applications will be accepted after this date, with a view to reopening in August/September 2025. 

If you have any questions regarding this initiative, then please CLICK HERE