FC Abbey Meads are on the hunt for the next generation of female players after receiving a Grow the Game grant from the Football Association.
The scheme, which is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation, will enable FC Abbey Meads to create a new team of budding Lionesses in their Under 14 category, something which could provide a significant boost to female participation in the town.
FC Abbeymeads were awarded a £1,500 grant from the Grow the Game scheme which made funding available for clubs looking to create new female and disability football teams and assist towards the costs of FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees’ fees, first aid kits, football kit and equipment.
FC Abbey Meads chairman Clint Ricketts says the grant is a huge boost for the club and will enable them to run two girls teams next season.
“As a club we have been trying to increase participation for some time,” said Ricketts. “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 SSE’s help we managed to get funding for a SSE Wildcats girls development centre for 5-11 yea-old girls that want 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!
“As a club we are working closely on increasing all aspects of the game and with 24 mixed teams, two girls teams and a open aged team we will continue to keep growing as long as the funding and participation is there.
“The club has this year in the grassroots awards, been highly commended as a club, had highly commended volunteer of the year and one of our coaches James Glock, has won coach of the year.
“As well as all of this we have now been granted the highest status a grassroots club can have after receiving FA Charter Standard Community Status.
“So momentum is really gaining pace.”
Two of the club’s Under 14 Girls have already hit the next level with Alana and Nalani Hunt earning contracts with Tier 1 Academy outfit Southampton Girls.
FC Abbey Meads are also looking for sponsorship from local and national businesses and also any volunteers who would like to become a coach with the club helping to fund the coaching course.
For details on how to join as a player or coach or for and further information or questions please go to our website www.fcabbeymeads.co.ukand you can contact us from there.
