At the end of season awards for the club's ladies section the Chairman, Jim Loftus, and Women’s Captain, Nicola Richardson-Wall, received a cheque from the Football Association (FA) for £2500 presented by Jodie Williams from the Herefordshire Football Association.
Following the success of the Community Shield Distribution Committee’s £1966 grants to community clubs which marked the anniversary of England’s World Cup win, they decided to replicate the programme for 2017.
The FA aimed to provide grants of £2500 to grassroots clubs. These grants are being awarded for clubs, who play an outstanding role in the community. To be eligible for the grant, the FA asked clubs to meet the criteria of having an outreach programme for their club to engage with the wider community e, g schools, organised youth groups. They also sought to find clubs who engage with groups who are typically hard to reach and provide recreational football opportunities.
Jim Loftus, Club Chairman commented,” We are delighted to receive these much-needed funds to ensure the club continues to grow, has excellent facilities and engages further with the wider community. Our walking football section has been a big success, in 18 months we have gone from no ladies section to a very dedicated and committed squad. Alongside this we send coaches into local schools to encourage participation and supported local youth groups too.” The club are looking to use this grant specifically to improve pitches and create more, with more teams it is vital significant investment goes into this area.