Bradford City FC Community Foundation’s Disability Programme is celebrating after being awarded a £1,450 Grow the Game grant, something that has attracted praise from England Manager Gareth Southgate.
The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Bradford, has paved the way for their disability football team, Bradford City DFC to create a ladies team and under 16’s girls’ team over two years. The funding also includes costs to develop and train more female coaches including those with disabilities.
England Men’s Senior Manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased that Bradford City DFC has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with the West Riding County 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.
“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 clubs at the grassroots to 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.”
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 money is to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.
Paul Jubb, Disability Officer at the Community Foundation and Head Coach at Bradford City DFC, said; ‘I have been involved in disability football for over 15 years, and we have never had a women’s only football team! Thanks to this funding from the Football Foundation we are moving from mixed gender training sessions to a new female only session and we are aiming to enter in the 2018 FA Peoples Cup in February next year, the Ladies Disability Category is only in its second year and we feel this will be a fantastic way to start our journey and a great achievement!’
Any women or girls interested in joining our female only sessions we will be commencing from Tuesday 9 January 5pm till 6pm at Bradford Academy School, John Craig Centre, Lister Avenue, BD4 7QS for further details please contact Paul Jubb on 07845 568226 or online our dedicated disability website www.bradfordcitydfc.co.uk