Leckhampton Rovers Football Club are celebrating after being awarded a £4,500 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 Cheltenham, has paved the way for Leckhampton Rovers to develop girls’ football at ages 8, 9 and 10 years old.

Southgate said: “I am so pleased that Leckhampton Rovers have secured this Grow the Game grant.

“The club have worked very hard with Gloucestershire 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 £2.5 million programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially among under-represented groups.

A sum of £1,500 is available to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost of FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees’ fees, first aid kits, and even football kit and equipment.

David Pitts, Leckhampton Rovers’ club secretary, said: “This grant from the Football Foundation is very important to us and, with the help of the Gloucestershire FA and Cheltenham Town FC, will enable us to support The FA’s ‘Gameplan for Growth’ and encourage girls regardless of ability to play football. If you have a daughter who is keen to play football, please contact me.”

David Pitts can be contacted at: davepitts@blueyonder.co.uk.