Staplehurst Monarchs Grow The Game!

Staplehurst Monarchs Youth FC are celebrating after being awarded a £3,000 Grow the Game grant, something that has attracted praise from England Manag

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Staplehurst, has paved the way for the Monarchs to create two girls’ teams to compete in local leagues. One team will play as Under 11s the other U13s.

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

Club Secretary Lee Seal said: ‘Thanks to the Football Foundation for enabling us to provide girls in Staplehurst and the surrounding area the chance to play the beautiful game for the Monarchs. This all started last year when two local girls Lilia and Jess asked me if we could form a team – we’ve come a long way since then!

Related News

View All