In addition to the many new football teams that will be created, the Grow the Game grants will also allow for 23 volunteer coaches to become trained up in the relevant qualifications, in order to deliver age and ability appropriate coaching at the new teams.

Five clubs from around the county will benefit from the funding that will enable the  creation of two new adult male 11v11 teams, four new girls teams, 6 new male and female disability teams and a new mixed under 12’s team. 

The Grow the Game scheme is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. The programme is designed to increase participation at the lowest levels of the game with grants of £1,500 available for each new team that a club creates.

Applications from demographics identified as having been traditionally underrepresented in the sport – namely, women and girls; male teams of Under-14s-and-upwards and disability teams – were prioritised.

The funding can help a burgeoning club pay for the fundamentals, including: FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment. 

Mike Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA said: The Grow the Game scheme has provided a huge boost to our clubs over the past few years and really supported them to grow and increase the opportunities to take part in their local communities. It is fantastic to see another five benefiting from The FA’s investment and we look forward to working with them to implement their projects successfully’   

Kelly Simmons MBE, The FA’s Director of Participation and Development, said: “Grow the Game not only allows us to focus on helping groups within the grassroots game, but also unearth brand new teams who want to kick a ball and increase participation levels as a result.

“The proposition of 13 new teams and 23 new coaches across the Oxfordshire area is extremely encouraging and this investment – which is provided by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation – means that participation in our national game will increase, especially amongst underrepresented groups.” 

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This is excellent news for grassroots football in Oxfordshire. Grow the Game, which is delivered by the Football Foundation, is about creating long-term participation increases and getting people playing who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do so. The FA deserves credit for directing investment to help train new coaches and get teams playing in affiliated leagues.”