A FOUR-figure grant has been awarded to Swindon Town Women FC amid the club’s hunt to unearth the next generation of star players.

Grow the Game presented Town Women with £1,500 as part of their Football Association (FA) funded scheme that awards community football groups wishing to create new teams.

The money will enable club bosses to form a new team for youngsters aged eight or younger.

This year, funding for Grow the Game was made available for clubs looking to create new fe-male and disability football teams – which will be able to assist towards the costs of FA coaching courses, referees’ fees, first aid kits and equipment.

Plans are in place for Town Women to launch the new team next month, and club chairman Martin Wheeler said offering additional playing opportunities is an excellent coup for the club.

He added: “With the recent success of the England Women’s team, as a club we want to help play our part on doubling participation across the country and this is the starting point on the club’s journey to support this.”

The club will hold taster sessions for interested girls throughout September. Visit the team’s website for further details.