The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots female football in Mulbarton and the surrounding area, has paved the way for Mulbarton Wanderers & Belles to establish all-female football for girls aged between 5-11, with more teams to be added next season.

Danielle said: “I would like to congratulate Mulbarton FC on working with the Football Foundation and Norfolk County FA to secure a Grow the Game grant. Playing in an all-female team from a young age was key to my development, so I am delighted that there will be more opportunities for women and girls in the local area and wish Mulbarton good luck during their debut season!”

Grow the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs wishing to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

This year, £1,500 was made available for clubs looking to create new female and disability football teams to help towards the costs of FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; football kit and equipment.

Chairman Duane James, said: “The Football Foundation has really encouraged and supported us in our goal to boost participation in female football. With their grant we are able to purchase all the required kit and equipment, as well as pay for pitches and coaching courses for the girls new coaches. We’re really excited to see where this goes as it can only be a good thing for the Club, as well as the local community.”

“We are also delighted to be able to introduce three new coaches to look after the girls teams – Liz Hughes, Cara Skinner and Michelle Allen. All three will be a great asset to the club and wonderful coaches for the young ladies.”

Training begins on Wednesday 12th of September at 6pm on Orchard Park. For more information please contact Liz Hughes on lh118322@gmail.com or Cara Skinner on 07377 915361.

About Grow the Game

Grow the Game is delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity. Last year the scheme supported:

• 2,047 new teams
• 10,016 female footballers
• 18,941 male footballers
• 7,407 new coaching qualifications

Since it was launched in 2010, the Grow the Game scheme has attracted a total of 210,192 new football players into playing regular football.

The FA
The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing the game at all levels; from grassroots through to the professional game, The Emirates FA Cup and the England International teams, and has two core assets: Wembley Stadium connected by EE and St George’s Park.

About the Football Foundation

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 17,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn.