Local grassroots football clubs are set to receive a helping hand from the country’s largest sports charity. The Football Foundation has announced that £2.1m of funding from The FA is to be made available to help the development of grassroots clubs.
Grassroots football clubs from every region will be able to access grants of up to £5,000 through the Foundation’s Grow the Game scheme. Grow the Game funding increases participation in our national game by helping clubs to provide opportunities for new players, or training volunteers to support new players and teams.
The Foundation is urging local clubs that are interested to make sure they apply before the window for applications closes on Friday 21 December.
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Grow the Game has become one of the Foundation’s most popular schemes. This additional funding provided by The FA is excellent news for grassroots clubs across the country that are seeking to start new teams and get their volunteer coaches qualified with FA coaching badges.
“Grow the Game funding has made a huge difference to the local grassroots game. The 871 Grow the Game grants that we have awarded to clubs to date is enabling them to create 3,791 new league-affiliated football teams, meaning that 72,872 new players will take up the game regularly. It is also funding 10,915 new qualifications or courses for grassroots volunteers.”
“The new application window that opened on 5 November is a chance for more clubs from every region to take advantage. Any clubs that are interested in applying for a Grow the Game grant should visit the Grow the Game section of the Foundation’s website or speak to their local County FA to find out more information.”
The FA’s Senior National Game Development Manager, Peter Ackerley, commented: “The FA is committed to football for all and our £2.1m grant to the Grow the Game programme will make a real difference to grassroots clubs and their volunteers across the country.
“The FA has invested over £100m into the Football Foundation over the last decade and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the grassroots game with the opening of St George’s Park and the positive changes to small-sided youth football all contributing to a bright future.”
Launched in 2000, the Football Foundation is the country’s largest sports charity. It is funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government (via Sport England) and has awarded around 8,000 grants worth £420m towards improving grassroots sport.
The Foundation is advising clubs that are interested in applying for this funding to visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/ and contact their local County FA (http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/key-contacts/cdms/) to find out more.
