Funding boost open to potential new football clubs

The Grow the Game scheme is designed to increase participation in football by helping clubs with the costs associated with creating new teams.

A sum of £1,500 is available for each new team that a club creates with the grants, the amount is aimed at covering the costs incurred for league entry, referees’ fees, first aid kits, FA coaching courses, football strips and more.

Sunday League chairman Mark Plumpton (pictured right) said: “The Grow The Game scheme is a fantastic way for potential local football teams to create a club and break through the initial barrier of sourcing start-up costs.

“The scheme gives clubs the ability to fund their initial start up costs such as kit, pitch and league fees, which are usually the most expensive outlay when creating a team.

“Grow the Game also gives people the opportunity to set up their team with the guidance of the North/East Riding FA helping them along the way, meaning every step of the creation of a club process is covered.

“It is also worth noting clubs have to meet criteria such as players must be increasing participation in men’s football, so there can’t be folding of teams to create a new one for the sake of a grant.

“As far as I know, my Goal Sports team was the first to take advantage of the scheme and this is probably because of a lack of advertisement.

“Applications also close on the March 10 so people need to move quickly to get sorted.”

Plumpton has offered his support to any potential new teams who want to enquire about how to access the funding.

He added: “I’ve actually had three potential new clubs speak to me already just from the post I put up on social media. This could be massive if people do it right.”

For more information on Grow the Game contact Steven Wade, NRCFA development manager on 01642 717775 or via email [email protected] to find out more.