Grassroots football in York has been given a helping hand following a £1500 Grow the Game grant, from the Football Foundation, the country’s largest sports charity.

The grant will allow York RI AFC to create a new under 18 girls team providing a path to senior ladies football from our current under 16s team as well as training up some new female coaches for the future. If you are interested in joining the team please contact Ady Johnson, 07722 100203.

The Premier League and The FA fund the Grow the Game scheme with £1.5m, which is delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity. The scheme is designed to increase participation in our national game by helping clubs to meet the essential costs of starting new teams.

The key strength of Grow the Game is that its participation increases are sustainable rather than transient. Its grants create a solid infrastructure of teams and newly-trained coaches in which new people can start playing the sport, rather than simply providing temporary activity sessions, which are then vulnerable to drops in participation once the programme ends.

This year sees a particular emphasis placed on increasing the number of teams and players from the Under-15 age bracket and above, to address the decline in participation that has traditionally occurred as young people leave school and college. The other key focus is on growing the numbers of girls’, women’s and disability teams.

Dan Fairclough, Girls Secretary, said: This is a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap between the junior and senior football leagues for the girls.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Grow the Game has become one of the Foundation’s most popular schemes. This additional funding provided by the Premier League and The FA is excellent news for grassroots clubs seeking to start new teams and get their volunteer coaches qualified with FA coaching badges.

“Congratulations to York RI AFC for working with the North Riding FA to secure their £1500 Grow the Game grant which will increase participation in the region as well as support football development in the area.”

York Railway Institute AFC is also delighted to be awarded Charter Standard Community Club status by the FA. With a membership of over 200 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16 years, the club is committed to providing a fun, friendly and safe environment within which children can develop their football skills; build confidence and make friends.

This award recognises the dedication of York RI's team of FA qualified coaches who offer their knowledge, time, energy and commitment on a purely voluntary basis. It also acknowledges the important role played by parents, supporters and volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to the continued success and development of the club. York RI AFC is proud to be at the heart of the local community, working with other voluntary organisations, such as the Scouts and local church groups, and aims to provide a footballing pathway from junior football through to the men's and ladies senior teams. In accepting this award York RI AFC would like to thank Donna Crowthers from the North Riding County FA for her continued support and guidance.