Press Release

Embargo: Wednesday 1 February 2017, 10am.

£1.5m funding boost for grassroots football

• Grow the Game scheme opens for applications on February 1^st
• Grants available for three target groups

Underrepresented groups in grassroots football will soon have more teams to play in. The FA are investing £1.5m into the Grow the Game scheme – a programme that increases participation at the lowest levels of the game.

Delivered by the Football Foundation, Grow the Game awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams. Applications are being encouraged from:

• women and girls;
• male teams of Under-14s-and-upwards;
• disabled teams.

Grow the Game supports football’s diversity and is designed to be inclusive of players from different genders, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, ages, sexual orientations and those with disabilities. Applications from all of these groups are being encouraged.

Grow the Game grants lessen the burden of costs associated with starting new grassroots football teams. £1,500 is available for each new team that a club creates. Expenditure that the funding can help a club pay for includes: FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.

The application window for Grow the Game applications will open on Wednesday 1 February and closes on Wednesday 29 March. Clubs seeking more information on Grow the Game should contact their local County FA or visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/.

England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “For anyone wanting to create a new grassroots football team or even start up a brand new club, Grow the Game funding is vital. The money can help with the fundamentals of any burgeoning club, like buying new kit or training up coaches.

“It’s relatively small grants like these which make a huge difference to those who play or volunteer in our national game purely for the love of it.

“The window for applications opens on Wednesday 1 February, so clubs who think they are eligible should visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/ or speak to their local County FA, to find out more information.

Alex Scott, right-back for Arsenal Ladies and England Women, backed the scheme: “As a player, for me and for all of the team, it’s important to us that we inspire and encourage more girls and women to play the game. Funding like this will really help us drive the numbers of players.

“It’s great to see that one of the key targets of Grow the Game is to raise participation levels among women and girls. I know the funding will also help boys’ teams and disabled players and really demonstrates what an inclusive game football is.

“We’ve got a massive year for the women’s game, particularly with the Euros taking place this summer, and hopefully clubs will make the most of the funding available to set up more female teams to take advantage of the interest.”

Roy Turnham, a star of the Paralympic GB football team, supported the initiative: “Grow the Game is an excellent scheme for those involved with the sport at grassroots level. This funding can unlock a chance for someone to play football who otherwise might not have been able to.

“When I look back at the opportunities that football has given me, it is inspiring to think that Grow the Game could potentially give another disabled player the same enjoyment I have had.

“Simply, I would say if you’re thinking of applying – do it! As well as representing my country at London 2012 and in other big tournaments, I’ve made friends for life through football and you can too.”

Grow the Game is delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity. Last year the scheme achieved:

• 2,159 new teams.
• 8,787 female footballers.
• 23,332 male footballers.
• 5,715 new coaching qualifications.

Since it was launched in 2010, the Grow the Game scheme has attracted a total of:

• 161,285 new football players into playing regular football.

As well as delivering Grow the Game, the Football Foundation delivers the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund on behalf of the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England. Since 2000, the Foundation has supported over 15,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn.

ENDS

For media enquires only, please contact Niall Malone on 0345 345 4555 Ext: 4275 or niall.malone@footballfoundation.org.uk