The cash boost is part of a £9.4m Community Club Development funding package developed by Sport England, the Government and The FA to forge stronger links between the country’s leading junior clubs and their local communities.

The Football Foundation was tasked with distributing the funds, which will help to provide quality coaching and safe environments for young people to enjoy the national game.

Also, a further £100,000 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, supporters of the Football Foundation, will allow the Northamptonshire club to provide a new covered stand and improved facilities at their Byfield Road Ground.

Players and club officials will join local MP Tim Boswell at 7pm Friday on 10 September at Byfield Road, Woodford Halse, NN11 3PZ, to formally launch the project, which will provide a new sports pavilion, greatly enhancing the development of the game in Northants.

A particular emphasis will be placed on promoting disability and social inclusion initiatives and women’s and girls’ football and the continued expansion of boys, youth and senior football.

Kelly Simmons, The FA's National Football Development Manager said: "The partnership between The FA, The Football Foundation and Sport England has ensured that another twenty FA Community Clubs, such as Woodford United will receive funding to support the provision of safe, fun and quality football for young people."

"These kite-marked clubs are at the forefront of football development in this country, and The FA are looking for more clubs around the country to sign up to The FA Charter, and potentially put themselves at the front of the queue for future funding. In line with the aims of The FA Facilities Strategy, forty percent of this £9.4million from Sport England has been actively targeted into some of the most deprived wards in the country, ensuring that communities in most need, benefit from this investment."


Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, welcomed the Community Club Development Funding: "This funding is strengthening the bond between local clubs and the communities they serve. I am delighted for Woodford Utd that they are now playing a vital role in developing the grass roots game in their area as well as providing fans and players at Byfield Road with outstanding new facilities."

Chief Executive of Sport England Roger Draper said: "We are delighted to make this award to Woodford United. The facility is key to the local development of football and we are committed to making sure that the club continues to provide access for the community."

"The Community Club Development Programme represents a new way of working for Sport England whereby national governing bodies are involved in the initial selection of possible projects that should receive funding based on their own strategic plans.

"Rugby Juniors was identified by The Football Association for investment and we are pleased to support this investment through The Football Foundation which will have a positive effect on the grassroots development of the sport."

"The Community Club Development Programme is an innovative way of helping to ensure that community clubs - the heart of grass roots sports development in the country - receive the capital investment they need.

"This is central to achieving our vision of England becoming the most active and successful sporting nation in the world."