Football Foundation Grow the Game Funding Success in Hertfordshire

Growing the Game

£42,000 of FA investment to start new grassroots football teams in Hertfordshire.

£42,000 of FA investment to start new grassroots football teams in Hertfordshire

28 new grassroots teams will be created in Hertfordshire thanks to £42,000 of new investment in the form of Grow the Game grants.

In addition to the many new football teams that will be created, the Grow the Game grants will also allow for 49 volunteer coaches to become trained up in the relevant qualifications, in order to deliver age and ability appropriate coaching at the new teams.

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. 

Karl Lingham, Hertfordshire FA County Development Manager, said:

“The Grow the Game funding is a real boost for grassroots football in the county, with the grants enabling clubs in Hertfordshire to provide even more opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to get involved in the beautiful game.”

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 28 new teams and 49 new coaches across the Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire. 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.”

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