The grant, which will provide a boost to grass-roots football in Chichester, has paved the way for the club to provide a new under-tens team and a second under-13s team to accommodate the number of girls in this age group that want to play.

It will also be used to provide training for volunteers to gain coaching, first aid and safeguarding children qualifications to support these teams.

The club will now be running six girls’ teams and a mini soccer centre for girls aged from five to nine, as well as two adult teams.

England manager and Football Foundation ambassador Gareth Southgate said: “I am so pleased Chichester City Ladies & Girls Football Club has secured this Grow the Game grant.

“The club have worked very hard with the Sussex 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 among under-represented groups.

Some £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 and equipment.

Caz Henry Evans, chairman and secretary of Chichester City Ladies, said: “We are grateful for this grant and the support of both the Football Foundation and the Sussex County FA to enable us to maintain and grow girls’ football in this area and to assist volunteers to gain the necessary qualifications to support this.”

For further information about Grow the Game funding please contact Development:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com