Football Foundation ambassador Hayley McQueen has announced that £1.5m of funding for grassroots clubs to start new teams and qualify more coaches for under-represented groups is to open for applications.
The Grow the Game scheme is designed to increase participation in our national game by helping clubs with the costs associated with creating new teams, which will give opportunities to those who have limited options to join a team.
Funded by the Premier League and The FA, Grow the Game is delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity.
The fund will boost playing opportunities for three specific sections of society for whom the opportunities to play football have always been traditionally limited.
These include women and girls, disabled players and male teams of Under-14s and upwards.
Applications are only being accepted for teams within these target groups, providing they meet the basic eligibility criteria.
£1500 is available for each new team that a club creates with the grants, the amount is aimed at covering the costs incurred for league entry, referees’ fees, first aid kits, FA coaching courses, football strips and more.
"The Grow the Game scheme is an excellent chance for grassroots clubs to expand and get coaches qualified," explained Hayley.
"I think getting more people playing sport is very important so to give football teams the resources to do this is fantastic to see.
"The Football Foundation’s partnership with the Premier League and The FA in delivering the Grow the Game scheme has had incredible results since it began in 2010, last year’s window alone saw nearly 2,000 new teams created."
The application window for Grow the Game applications will open on Monday 1 February 2016 and close on Thursday 10 March 2016. Clubs seeking more information on Grow the Game should contact their local County FA or click here.
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 14,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.3bn.
