Ben Shephard backs new 'Grow the Game' scheme

FA150 ambassador and TV presenter Ben Shephard has revealed that £1.5m of funding from The FA and Premier League will be available to help ‘Grow the Game’ and aid the development of grassroots football clubs next year.

Clubs across the country will be able to access grants through the Football Foundation’s new Grow the Game scheme, designed to increase participation in the game by helping clubs to meet the essential costs of starting new teams.

With £1500 of funding available for each new team that a club creates, the Grow the Game grants can go towards helping to cover the costs incurred for league entry, referees’ fees, first aid kits, FA coaching courses and football strips.

Any clubs can apply, but with particular emphasis placed on increasing the number of teams and players from the U15 age bracket and above, there is an aim to address the decline in participation that has traditionally occurred as young people leave school and college.

Another key focus is on growing the numbers of girls’, women’s and disability teams.

Shephard, also an ambassador for the Football Foundation, explained: “Grow the Game makes a real difference to grassroots clubs and their volunteers across the country, so this funding, provided by the Premier League and The FA, is excellent news for them.

“This year we want to continue to increase participation across all age ranges, but particularly want to build on the success of last year by continuing to drive-up the numbers of people playing the game amongst under-represented groups, in particular the U15 age bracket and above, as well as women’s, girls’ and disability teams."

The window for Grow the Game applications will open on Monday 6 January 2014 and close on Monday 17 February 2014.

Any clubs that are interested in applying for a grant can click here or speak to their local County FA to find out more information.