Football Foundation Grow the Game Grant

13 June 2017

Stevenage Starlets FC are celebrating after being awarded a £4,500 Grow the Game grant, something that has attracted praise from England Manager Gareth Southgate.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Stevenage, has paved the way for Stevenage Starlets FC to increase the number of girls playing football in the area. The grant will help us to field more teams and will help to encourage more coaches to come forward and get involved.

Helping clubs at the grassroots to grow

England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: "I am so pleased that Stevenage Starlets FC has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Hertfordshire FA and the Football Foundation to get more local people playing football so that they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that come with playing regular sport.

Grow the Game is mainly funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. This is money that is flowing from the very top of the game down to the lowest levels, to help clubs at the grassroots to bear the cost of starting up a new team, whether it be for a new kit, pitch hire or sending volunteers on FA accredited coaching courses."

Grow the Game is a £2.5m programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

£1,500 is available to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost of FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit and equipment.

Our goal is to increase the number of girls playing the game

Denise Wells, Coach and Club Secretary, said: "We are extremely pleased and proud to receive this grant from the Football Foundation. It will help us to promote and increase the number of girls playing football in line with the FA Strategy, aimed at doubling the number of girls playing football by 2020.

Stevenage Starlets FC is an all-girls Football Club, based in Stevenage, and is encouraging girls from School Year 2 and up to get in touch and help us grow the number of girls in football."