FC ABBEYMEADS have been awarded a grant of £1,500 from the Football Association in order to establish a new U14 girls team.

The north Swindon club applied to English football’s governing body asking to be a lucky recipient of the FA’s ‘Grow The Game’ grant.

The scheme, which is funded by the FA and delivered by the Football Foundation, will enable FC Abbeymeads to create a new team of potential Lionesses, while providing a boost to female participation opportunities in the Swindon area.

The ‘Grow The Game’ scheme sees grants of £1,500 awarded to community football clubs wishing to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

This year, funding was made available for clubs looking to create new female and disability football teams.

The money given to clubs can assist towards a multitude of different areas, including; the cost of FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees’ fees, first aid kits, football kit and equipment.

Clint Ricketts, FC Abbeymeads chairman, said: “As a club, we have been trying to increase participation for some time.

“With ever increasing costs, this grant has now enabled us to increase participation in the girls game even more.

“We will now have two girls teams running next season.

“Also, with the FA and Swindon School of Excellence’s help, we managed to get funding for an SSE Wildcats girls development centre for five to 11-year-old girls.

“They will be able to learn football in a safe and fun environment with coaching from highly qualified professionals for a very low cost.

“We are very proud that as the only club in Swindon to get this, we are striving all the time to increase standards and set the bar high.”

FC Abbeymeads are looking for sponsorship for the coming season, as well as volunteer coaches and any children who would like to play football.

For details on how to join as a player or coach, further information or questions, visit Abbeymeads’ website at www.fcabbeymeads.co.uk.