Grantham Youth Football the charitable company affiliated to, but entirely separate from
Grantham Town Football Club Ltd are pleased to announce the award of £7,000 grant funding to help them recruit and train volunteers to manage the start-up and expansion of the number of youth teams from 3 to 7.
Company Secretary Ted Foxall said " This a terrific boost to our efforts to build and expand the youth team players under the Grantham Youth banner. The money's will make it possible to provide training and development for people wanting gain experience of managing teams at a junior level. But more importantly we will be able to develop our 5year plan to provide a career path for aspiring players from age 7 through to Grantham College and beyond.
The aim is to provide the managers, coaches, first aider's and of course the players with the opportunities to participate to the maximum level of their skill and capability, whether as full or part-time professional or as a local club player.
Subject to being able to secure further grant funding the number of teams and opportunities will continue to increase year on year as new players start at the lower age group each year.
For the first time we are committed to starting a girls team this year and intend that this will build into more teams expanding in the same manner as the boys. The opportunity exists for a women's team to become part of the college scene in a few years time. The FA rules dictate that separate teams are required after age 11 so the first team to be fielded will play at under twelve."
The funding making this start-up possible has be provided by Lincolnshire Community Foundation from the Network Fund and we are grateful for their support.
How do we join, tell you we are interested,
"Grantham Youth Football have their own web site just log on and leave you details, tell us if you are playing now and for which club also which school you attend, (www.granthamtown.co.uk )
or watch the Grantham Journal for this years trials which will be after the end of the current season."
Why should youth play for Grantham Youth Football,
"If you think you may like to pursue a career in Football then you need to be with a Club that has a defined development programme to make sure, you not only achieve your full potential, but also through our association we can ensure priority of opportunity into Further Education. Our 5year plan provides that priority of opportunity through the affiliation to Grantham Town Football Club and the other senior Clubs in the professional leagues.
This does not mean that you do not need good academic grades, the key to every successful career is good school results regardless of the core subjects. Our plan includes working with your school to introduce you to playing in a team, working with others and staying healthy for life."
What will stop your plans happening.
"The main thing is to recruit and train the volunteer adults to help us put more teams in the field. They are needed now because in addition to taking a Lincs FA coaching course at level 1 we need to give Child Protection training First aid training and obtain enhanced CRB certificates."
Does this cost the volunteer
"No, all costs for courses and CRB checks are funded by the Charity for this first year through our grant from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Network Fund and we are most grateful for their support. The Volunteer has to commit time, enthusiasm and a desire to win and to stretch the young people to achieve their potential. Support and assistance will be provided to each volunteer by our organisation".
What about cost to the players
"Every player will pay a subscription, will need to provide proper football boots and a trainers, in addition they will need to purchase the kit at reduced cost from the Club shop.
However nobody will be excluded and some financial assistance may available in individual cases of financial hardship subject to the discretion of the directors and grant funding being available.
