The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Long Eaton, has paved the way for Long Eaton United Development Squad and Academy to kit out and equip four new teams in the 16-18 year age groups for the 2017/18 season.

England Men’s senior manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I’m so pleased that Long Eaton United has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with the Derbyshire FA and the Football Foundation to get more locals playing football so that they can enjoy the 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’s 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 new teams, whether it be for 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.

For FA-affiliated clubs, £1,500 is available to help with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the costs of FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit and equipment.

Paul Holland, Long Eaton United’s new head of football development, said: "We are delighted with the support afforded us by both the Derbyshire FA and the Football Foundation. We have just started an exciting new Development Squad and Academy project at Long Eaton United and the grant will enable us to ensure that we minimise costs to players and maximise the sporting opportunities for them.”

In 2016, Grow the Game helped to launched 2,159 new teams.

Photo credit: BeanymanSports