Armada FC are celebrating after being awarded a £3,000 over 3 years 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 Balsall Heath, Birmingham, has paved the way for Armada FC to bring a new adult team in 2017/18 season and a under 16s team for season 2018/19. This will mean more coaches required and more staff for the implementation and development of this project.

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

Abida Bi, Club Chairwoman, said: We are extremely pleased that the hard work of the management team and Birmingham County FA has paved the way for new opportunities for Football to develop within Birmingham. Grow the Game is delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity and by accessing their support, we will become a better place for stars to be created, so that one day they get the chance of playing in a world class stadium.

“As well as delivering Grow the Game, the Football Foundation delivers the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund on behalf of the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England. Since 2000, the Foundation has supported over 15,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn.”

For more information contact:
Shahid Khan on 07460 879950 or email shahidkh4n@gmail.com