NEW football clubs at grassroots football can receive a grant worth £1,500 from Grow the Game scheme delivered by the Football Foundation.

Grow the Game supports football’s diversity and applications from anyone are being encouraged.

The grants lessen the burden of costs associated with starting new grassroots football teams.

£1,500 is available for each new team that a club creates. Expenditure that the funding can help a club pay for includes, FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees’ fees, first aid kits, as well as football kit and equipment.

Clubs seeking more information on Grow the Game should contact their local County FA or visit football foundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/.

England manager and Football Foundation ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “For anyone wanting to create a new grassroots football team or even start up a brand new club, Grow the Game funding is vital.

“The money can help with the fundamentals of any burgeoning club, like buying new kit or training up coaches.

“It’s relatively small grants like these which make a huge difference to those who play or volunteer in our national game purely for the love of it.

Applications are open Wednesday March 29, so clubs who think they are eligible should visit www.football foundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/ or speak to their local County FA, to find out more information.

Alex Scott, right-back for Arsenal Ladies and England Women, backed the scheme and said: “As a player, for me and for all of the team, it’s important to us that we inspire and encourage more girls and women to play the game. Funding like this will really help us drive the numbers of players.

“It’s great to see that one of the key targets of Grow the Game is to raise participation levels among women and girls. I know the funding will also help boys’ teams and disabled players and really demonstrates what an inclusive game football is.

“We’ve got a massive year for the women’s game, particularly with the Euros taking place this summer, and hopefully clubs will make the most of the funding available to set up more female teams to take advantage of the interest.”

Roy Turnham, a star of the Paralympic GB football team, supported the initiative and said: “Grow the Game is an excellent scheme for those involved with the sport at grassroots level. This funding can unlock a chance for someone to play football who otherwise might not have been able to.

“When I look back at the opportunities that football has given me, it is inspiring to think that Grow the Game could potentially give another disabled player the same enjoyment I have had.”

Grow the Game is delivered by the Football Foundation and last year the scheme achieved 2,159 new teams and since 2000 the foundation has supported over 15,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn.