Longton Harriers off to a flying start with Football Foundation Grant

Grass roots sport in Longton and the surrounding areas in Stoke-on-Trent received a boost following a £164,462 award to Longton Harriers Football Club by the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity.

The funding will enable the club to move to a new site where Longton Harriers FC can provide football for all age groups, gender and ethnic background in a safe environment with qualified coaches.  The proposed changing facilities will provide added protection to the welfare of the participants and will allow Longton Harriers F.C. to provide an exit route into senior football, whilst still providing opportunities for people of all abilities to be involved in our National Game.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said:

“We warmly congratulate Longton Harriers and the Staffordshire FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.

“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. I am delighted that Football Foundation investment is opening up access to sport in Stoke-on-Trent and encourage other organisations in the region to apply to us.”

Giles Pattison Vice Chairperson at Longton Harriers Football Club, said:

“The support of the Football Foundation in conjunction with Longton Rugby Football Club has secured the long term future of Longton Harriers FC. This will allow us to work closely with Staffordshire FA in developing grass roots football in the local area and providing people with in the local area a safe environment to enjoy football.

“Without the grant from the Football Foundation and the partnership with Longton Rugby Football Club, Longton Harriers FC would have remained a football club playing at various locations over Stoke-on-Trent with minimal facilities and unable to fulfil its full potential.”

For more information contact:

Andy Weston
Tel: 01785 256994
Email: andy.weston@staffordshirefa.com