England boss Gareth Southgate believes the new Grow the Game scheme could prove crucial to the future of grassroots football.
The FA is investing £1.5m into Grow the Game, with grants of £1,500 issued to amateur clubs for each new team they create.
These grants, delivered by the Football Foundation, will lessen the burden of costs associated with starting new teams such as FA coaching courses, league affiliation costs, kit and equipment, referees’ fees and first aid kits.
Southgate said: “For anyone wanting to create a new grassroots team or even start up a brand new club, this 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.”
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 – and applications from all of these groups are being encouraged.
The application window for Grow the Game applications is open until Wednesday 29 March.
Clubs seeking more information on Grow the Game should contact their local County FA or click here.
England and Arsenal right-back Alex Scott added: “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.”
