DORSET Abilities Group FC are celebrating after being awarded a £6,000 Grow the Game grant.

The grant will provide a boost to grassroots football in Weymouth and has paved the way for Dorset Abilities Group FC to set up four new teams for players with disabilities and additional needs within the next two years.

England boss and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased that Dorset Abilities Group FC has secured this Grow the Game grant.

“The club has worked very hard with Dorset County Football Association and the Football Foundation to get more local people playing football so that they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that come with playing regular sport.”

In year one, two new teams will be started; an under 15’s team and Dorset’s first ever team for adult females with disabilities. The grant will also help enable three coaches to be trained as an FA Level One Coach within these two years.

There is currently no structured football activity for children aged 12-15 or female adults with disabilities in the Weymouth area.

After consulting with the Dorset County FA, local special educational needs (SEN) schools and care homes, Dorset Abilities Group FC have identified a gap in both 12-15 year old and female provisions.

Luke Tomlin, project manager, said: “Myself, Coach Mitch Fox and everyone involved with Dorset Abilities Group FC are thrilled to receive this grant from the Football Foundation.

“This will make such a huge difference to what we are trying to achieve. We cannot thank the Football Foundation enough. We’d also like to thank Rosie Eggleston of Dorset County FA for her continued support.”

Grow the Game is a £2.5m programme funded by the FA and Football Foundation, awarding grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially among under-represented groups.

n Anyone wishing to get involved get contact Luke via info@dorsetabilitiesgroup.co.uk