ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has congratulated Ilkley Town on their funding success

The club are celebrating after being awarded a £3,000 'Grow the Game' grant, something that has attracted praise from Three Lions national boss Southgate.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots football in Ilkley, has paved the way for the girls’ section of the club to create two new girls teams at Under-10 and Under-8 age groups and support training of new coaches.

This is part of a longer term plan to offer football at all age groups for girls and match the boys' offering.

Southgate said: “I am so pleased that Ilkley Town has secured this Grow the Game grant.

"The club has worked very hard with West Riding County FA 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.

“Grow the Game is mainly funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation.

"This is money that is flowing from the very top of the game down to the lowest levels, to help clubs at the grassroots to bear the cost of starting up a new team – whether it be for a new kit, pitch hire or sending volunteers on FA accredited coaching courses.”

Grow the Game is a £2.5m programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation.

It awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

£1,500 is available to help FA-affiliated clubs with the cost of creating a new team, which might include the cost FA coaching courses; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; and even football kit & equipment.

Richard Giles, Ilkley Town chairman, said: "I am delighted that Ilkley Town has been awarded this grant for girls football.

"For a number of years we have provided football for girls and it is one of the club's priorities to continue to strengthen the girls' section of the club.

"In particular we are aiming to run girls team's from Under-8s to Under-17s and provide a pathway into our ladies team.

"As for the boys, our goal for girls is to grow the club in both participation and in developing performance.