LIONESSES Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have backed The Sun’s Footie For All Fund.
We have teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to give away £150,000 of grants to grassroots youth football clubs in crisis.
England’s World Cup captain Millie, 30, said: “It’s amazing what The Sun and Tesco are doing to support local teams and it will help a lot of kids keep playing.
“Maybe it can help some of them become Lionesses.”
The Chelsea defender added: “As a kid, my parents had a hard time getting me away from a football pitch.
“But it wasn’t something I knew I loved until some friends took me to a local club, Killamarsh Dynamos, and then it became my focus.
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“It opened up a whole new world to me aged nine and without playing when I was little, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear some kids won’t get the same opportunities because their parents can’t afford it.”
Funded by Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign — which provides healthy food and activities for children across the country — we will dish out 150 grants (each worth £1,000) to clubs across the country.
We launched our Footie For All campaign this year to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing kids to give up the national game.
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According to the charity Sported, around 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership.
In the wake of our probe we have been inundated with the stories of local youth sides making a huge difference to their communities, while struggling to cover costs.
Millie’s team-mate Rachel Daly, 31, added: “Growing up, I have some of my happiest memories playing with Killinghall Nomads.
“I can’t imagine my childhood without football and I don’t want anyone else to go without because of rising prices.
“It’s so important to keep the game accessible — that’s why I’m backing The Sun’s Footie For All campaign.”
HOW TO APPLY
WE want to hear the story of YOUR club and the big difference you are making to kids and your community.
If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
Funds can be used for anything that encourages more children to take part in the sport – such as pitch fees or to sponsor funded places for children who can’t afford membership.
Applications must be made by October 29.
To apply and for full T&Cs, see the website below . . .
www.tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
