A NEW girls football team in Hereford have been awarded a Grow the Game grant of £6,000.

Tupsley were only formed in March, but already have more than 50 girls playing football on a weekly basis.

The grant will allow a number of new coaches to be trained ready for entering teams into the Herefordshire Girls Football League for next season.

The Grow the Game scheme is designed to increase participation in football among under-represented groups by helping clubs meet the essential costs of starting new teams.

It is funded by the Premier League and the Football Association and delivered by the Football Foundation.

"To receive a grant of this magnitude from the Football Foundation has given our club the impetus to form a ‘community club’ offering a high standard of football coaching to girls of all abilities in a safe and caring environment," said Jamie Wright, chairman of Tupsley Girls FC.

Sports journalist and Football Foundation ambassador Hayley McQueen added: “Very well done to Tupsley Girls FC for working with the Football Foundation and Herefordshire FA to secure this Grow the Game grant. This investment, which is provided by the Premier League and The FA, has created an opportunity for more people to play football, which will not only keep them fit and healthy but also develop their life-skills.

“Grants like this one make a real difference to grassroots football.

"They help clubs meet the costs associated with starting a new team – like getting volunteer coaches qualified with FA coaching badges – and so help to drive up participation levels in the sport, especially amongst under-represented groups.”