Plane flies over floodlights

Football participation in Guernsey bolstered thanks to funding from The FA

• Funding scheme from The FA supports established clubs • Retain the Game provides boost to 21 teams in Guernsey

New figures show that football in Guernsey is set to receive a significant boost over the next 12 months.

New investment provided by The FA, and delivered by the Football Foundation, has been announced that will support the growth and maintenance of 21 teams in the area, which is expected to cater for 480 footballers in local leagues.

Retain the Game is a brand-new scheme, which was launched in April of this year, and is targeted at supporting existing adult male clubs to continue offering local opportunities to play. Grants of £750 are made to support the essential costs of playing and training. 

A large number of clubs in Guernsey have been successful in securing investment from The FA through the Football Foundation. Over the course of the next year, Retain the Game will help to maintain 21 adult male sides in Guernsey.

Funding from the grants can be used to help a club pay for FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit and equipment through a bespoke voucher.

Aidy Boothroyd, England Under-21s Head Coach, said: “It’s encouraging to see so many grassroots clubs up and down the country taking advantage of funding available through Retain the Game.

“Whilst the total number of adult male footballers in England has increased over the past few years, it is vital that regular playing opportunities continue to exist with teams in their local areas.

“I hope this new scheme will make a real difference across the country and help to maintain high levels of participation throughout the men’s game.”

Gary Roberts, Guernsey FA Chief Executive, said: “The investment available to clubs and teams in Guernsey via the Football Association’s Retain the Game scheme is a fantastic opportunity to secure funds to support the local game and football community. It is encouraging that 21 adult male teams will benefit from this funding, which will be invaluable in helping to cover operational costs this season and ensure the local affiliated adult male game continues to flourish as it has done in recent years.

The FA made £1 million available to grassroots clubs looking to retain association football clubs for grassroots footballers across the country.

As well as Retain the Game, the Football Foundation delivers the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund on behalf of the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England. Since 2000, the Foundation has supported over 16,000 community projects worth more than £1.5bn.

For more information on Retain the Game, please contact: