Salute from England boss

Photo: Tim Bradley

FUNDING BOOST . . . Springhead AFC under-16s captain Jack Donlan (front) with team-mates and members of the committee celebrate the award of a Grow the Game grant.

SPRINGHEAD AFC earned rich praise from England manager Gareth Southgate after being awarded a £3,000 Grow the Game grant.

The four-figure sum has paved the way for the St John Street, Lees, club to create two new teams aged between 16-19 years of age as well as funding new coaches in joining their successful footballing set-up.

Southgate (pictured), who is also a Football Foundation Ambassador, said: "I am so pleased that Springhead AFC has secured this Grow the Game grant.

"The club has worked very hard with West Riding 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.

A sum of £1,500 is available to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost of FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees' fees; first aid kits; and even football kit and equipment.

Springhead run successful senior and junior teams in Oldham - 30 in total - but are always looking to widen their horizons to attract fresh blood into the game.

GRASSROOTS

Dave Donlan, chairman of Springhead, said: "My thanks go to the Football Foundation in supporting our grassroots family here at Springhead AFC.

"The grant will enable our club to maintain the highest professional standards of football that have previously been set by our members.

"With this grant we can sustain our ambitions to develop and challenge both new and existing playing members, coaches and of course our excellent team of volunteers."

The new teams will play in the Tameside Saturday and Sunday leagues from next season and will create a pathway to open age football.