GRASSROOT football clubs and organisations across Essex can now apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the newly-launched Lionesses ‘HERe to Play’ Fund, designed to make football facilities more inclusive, safe and welcoming for women and girls.
Inspired by the Lionesses’ back-to-back UEFA Women’s Euro victories, the fund is part of a national initiative from the Football Foundation, supported by the Premier League, The FA and Government, to help ensure the momentum in women’s football translates into lasting change at the grassroots levels. Eligible will projects include improvements such as:
- upgraded toilets and showers (including cubicle conversions)
- sanitary bins and baby change/breastfeeding areas
- better lighting and clearer signage
- officials’ changing spaces
- clubhouse and changing room renovations
Grants cover up to 75% of total project costs, with applicants required to contribute the remaining 25%. Applications are open to not-for-profit clubs, local authorities, educational institutions, charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and other social enterprises. To apply for funding, organisations must:
- have a verified Football Foundation account
- provide quotes from suppliers
- submit a short description of how the improvements will support women and girls
- engage with The FA’s ‘Equal Game’ programme
Emma Burden, Essex County FA Football Development Officer, is delighted to welcome the launch of HERe to Play: “This fund is a brilliant opportunity for Essex clubs to enhance their facilities and show real commitment to growing the women’s and girls’ game. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported.”
See if your club can apply now and help to shape the future of football in Essex via the application link at www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.
