LOCAL football clubs are being offered funding to set up new teams for girls, women, and people with disabilities.

The Football Foundation's Grow the Game programme provides opportunities at grass roots level, and is keen to grow the game and encourage participation.

Now football clubs starting up new teams for girls, women, and people with disabilities, could be entitled to grants of £1,500 to pay for FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees' fees, first aid kits, and even football kits.

England men's senior manager Gareth Southgate said: "I am delighted that the Grow the Game programme is back.

"It means the pool of players in this country continues to widen, unearthing talent from all backgrounds in the process."

Grow the Game is inclusive of players from different genders, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, ages, sexual orientations and those with disabilities.

Clubs have until March 29 to apply for funding. For more information visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/funding-schemes/grow-the-game/