Eastleigh Receive `Grow the Game` Grant

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Eastleigh and the surrounding areas, has paved the way for the Ladies and Girls section to create 3 new teams over the next two years.

The grant will go towards gaining the qualifications required to ensure the Ladies and Girls get the correct training from the volunteers who help to run the teams.

England men’s senior manager and Football Foundation Ambassador Gareth Southgate said: “I am so pleased that Eastleigh FC has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Hampshire 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.

Gazz Davison, head of community at Eastleigh FC, said: “This funding is vital to allow the continual growth of Ladies and Girls football at The Silverlake Stadium. Last season we started with three teams and now, in our second season of female football, we have expanded to six teams. Getting coaches the correct training can be expensive but with the help from the Football Foundation and the FA, we can continue our growth program with sustainability to ensure Ladies and Girls football remains high on the agenda at Eastleigh Football Club”.