In addition to the many new football teams that will be created, the Grow the Game grants will also allow for several volunteer coaches to become trained up in the relevant qualifications, in order to deliver age and ability appropriate coaching at the new teams.

 

The grant will enable the successful clubs from across Bedfordshire to provide new teams across a variety of age groups including U9 female teams and the development of a brand new club in its entirety throughout this season with additional teams being created for the 2018-19 season.

 

The Grow the Game scheme is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. The programme is designed to increase participation at the lowest levels of the game with grants of £1,500 available for each new team that a club creates.

 

Applications from demographics identified as having been traditionally underrepresented in the sport – namely, women and girls; male teams of Under-14s-and-upwards and disability teams – were prioritised.

 

The funding can help a burgeoning club pay for the fundamentals, including: FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.

 

James Petty, Football Development Manager at Bedfordshire FA said ‘The FA and Football Foundation have been influential in implementing the Grow the Game scheme for seven years now. It continues to support new team creation and enables the club to drive participation in developmental areas. This year will see one club provide disability provision for the first time whilst another will cement its pathway of football from youth to adult with the formation of their first ever adult team in Year 2. We are looking forward to supporting the recipients and our other club’s via our three Football Development Officer’s that span across Bedfordshire according to local authority boundaries.’

 

 

 

Kelly Simmons MBE, The FA’s Director of Participation and Development, said: “Grow the Game not only allows us to focus on helping groups within the grassroots game, but also unearth brand new teams who want to kick a ball and increase participation levels as a result.

 

“The proposition of 8 new teams and new coaches across the Bedfordshire area is extremely encouraging and this investment – which is provided by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation – means that participation in our national game will increase, especially amongst underrepresented groups.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This is excellent news for grassroots football in Bedfordshire. Grow the Game, which is delivered by the Football Foundation, is about creating long-term participation increases and getting people playing who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do so. The FA deserves credit for directing investment to help train new coaches and get teams playing in affiliated leagues.”