Apply for sports grants – grow the game!

Local football clubs are being urged to apply for Grow the Game grants to boost participation in the country’s national sport.

Some £2.1 million is available through the Football Foundation and the FA to help grassroots with individual grants of up to £5,000.

Grow the Game helps clubs to provide opportunities for new players, or train volunteers to support new players and teams. Grants can pay to hire facilities and qualified coaches, referees’ fees, CRB checks, affiliation and league fees, first aid kits, publicity and coaching courses. Applications are welcome from organisations that are 'not for profit' and planning to set up two new football teams over the next two years.

The Grow the Game scheme is supported by the Lancashire Football Association and Bury Football Development Forum.

Lancashire FA has highlighted the following as a priority:

• Girls only teams
• Adult 11 v 11 football teams - both male and female, including veterans 
• Under 18s 11 v 11 teams - both male and female
• Disability teams (focus under-16s) - male and female

Applications close on Friday 21 December. Interested clubs should look at the website www.footballfoundation.org.uk and contact Lancashire FA development manager Derek Egan at Derek.Egan@lancashirefa.com or 01772 624000.

ENDS

Press release issued: 23 November 2012.