England Manager Gareth Southgate congratulates Chester FC Community Trust on their funding success

Chester FC Community Trust are celebrating after being awarded a £3,000 Grow the Game grant, something that has attracted praise from England Manager Gareth Southgate.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Chester, has paved the way for Chester FC Community Trust to expand its girls’ football programme with the creation of two new development teams for Under 12s and Under 14s along with two new Level 1 and two new Level 2 coaches.

England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased that Chester FC Community Trust has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Cheshire 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.

Jim Green, Chief Executive of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured this grant from the Football Foundation.

“The Grow the Game programme is making a real difference to grassroots football, creating new opportunities and increasing participation.”