REDHOUSE FC will kick-off their first season in the Swindon & District League with the help of a grant of £1,500 from Grow the Game.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Swindon, has paved the way for Redhouse to start up a new adults team where they will not only play in the District League but also compete in the Swindon Advertiser Cup as well as Wiltshire county cup competitions.

Redhouse chairman and secretary Chris Ricketts said: “Without the help of the Grow the Game grant from the Football Foundation, none of this would have been possible.

“The lads are buzzing to get the new season under way and be competing for honours in our first season.”

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.

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

The scheme has also received praise from England manager and Football Foundation ambassador Gareth Southgate.

Southgate said: “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 grassroots clubs 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.

“I am so pleased that Redhouse has secured this Grow the Game grant.

“The club has worked very hard with the Wiltshire 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.”

As reported in the Swindon Advertiser