Grassroots grant boosts Sacred Heart
ROCHDALE Sacred Heart FC Academy 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 Rochdale, has paved the way for Rochdale Sacred Heart FC Academy to create a second 16-19 year-old team, to engage more young people in the area to participate in grass roots football.
It will enable the academy to invest further in coaching qualifications, bear some of the costs and boost the clubs numbers and enhance the standing of the club which is currently on the crest of a wave both on and off the pitch.
England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said:“I am so pleased that Rochdale Sacred Heart Academy has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with the Lancashire 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 hireor 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 underrepresented groups and £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 and equipment.
Mike Holt, head coach, said: “We are very grateful for the continued support of the football foundation in supporting our latest project.
“Over the last couple of years they have helped us develop or facilities to an outstanding level and now they are supporting us in our venture of creating further playing opportunities for young people in the area.”
‘This is money flowing from the very top of the game down to the lowest levels’