AFC Rushden & Diamonds are pleased to announced that they have been awarded a Grant from the newly established FA Retain The Game Scheme.
The grant, part of the scheme that has been established to help aid the retention of adult male teams within grassroots football, will enable the club to sustain the Under 18 Academy and Strive squads over the coming years.
Retain the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. It awards grants of £750 to existing grassroots football clubs to boost their financial sustainability and allow them to continue offering playing opportunities in organised football. The scheme will provide grants of £750 to support the essential costs of pitch hire, training venues, First Aid courses and playing kit/equipment.
Paul Simpson, England Under-19s Head Coach, said: “It’s great to see The FA and the Football Foundation supporting participation in the adult male game at the community level.
“Affordability has often been identified as a key barrier, so this grant will ease the financial burden placed on clubs and allow them to concentrate on providing access to competitive football.
“It is very pleasing to see AFC Rushden & Diamonds taking advantage of this pilot scheme and ensuring that they look forward to a bright future, providing regular opportunities for local people to enjoy the benefits of playing our national game.”
The new scheme has further bolstered The FA’s efforts to increase participation in grassroots football. Earlier this year, they also awarded grants of £1,500 as part of their Grow the Game programme, with particular emphasis placed on boosting the number of female and disabled grassroots football teams.
Diamonds Club Vice-Chairman, Jon Ward, said “We are really pleased to receive this Retain the Game grant from the Football Foundation. Our main cost is that of hiring training facilities and this grant will enable us to secure training and playing facilities for our new Academy under 18 squad and the new Strive squad.”
For more information contact Jon Ward, Vice Chairman, jon,ward@afcdiamonds.com
You can see the full press release here – Retain the Game Grant
