Farncombe Football Club are celebrating after being awarded a £6,000 “Grow the Game” grant, something which has attracted the attention of England Manager Gareth Southgate.

The grant has enabled Farncombe Football Club to create Seniors First and Reserve Teams which are to be entered into the Guildford & Woking Alliance League as well as encouraging grassroots football in the local community.

England manager and Football Foundation ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased that Farncombe Football Club has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Surrey County 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 £2.5m programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation. It awards grants to small football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

The grant ensures security for the club and assists them in moving forward over the next two years, helping get more people involved in football in the local community. It will help cover costs such as FA coaching courses, kits and equipment.

Margarette Fulleylove, club treasurer, said: “We are delighted that Farncombe FC has been awarded a Grow the Game grant from The FA and Football Foundation.”

As well as delivering Grow the Game, the Football Foundation delivers the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund on behalf of the Premier League, the FA and the government, through Sport England.

Since 2000, the foundation has supported over 15,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn, including the formation of nearly 3000 football teams and empowering over 8,000 female footballers.