
England Manager Gareth Southgate congratulates Greenbank Disability FC on their funding success
Greenbank Disability FC is 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 across Merseyside, has paved the way for Greenbank Disability FC to develop 3 new football teams, 2 ambulant and 1 Power chair team. The teams will all be open aged to encourage all disabled people to come and join the squads. We will qualify 3 new coaches through our local Football Association to train each squad and will enter the teams into county, regional and National competitions when appropriate.
England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said:
“I am so pleased that Greenbank Disability FC has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Liverpool County 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 FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.
Steve Sullivan, Sports Development Officer said:
“This funding will provide so many opportunities for disabled people in Merseyside to engage in quality football sessions and play in competitive football on a weekly basis. We will have 3 newly qualified coaches to support the sessions and manage the teams when they participate in competitions. Teams will have new equipment and kit which will give them a sense of pride in their team and who they represent.”