THE Chairman of Lapford AFC, Nick Tucker says he can’t wait to see the look on his player’s faces after investment from The FA secured the club’s long-term future.

Lapford AFC has been awarded a grant from The FA’s “Stay in the Game” scheme to help aid the club’s retention of its adult male players, giving them the financial support to cover the costs incurred by grassroots clubs.

The “Stay in the Game” scheme is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation, with grants of £750 awarded to existing clubs in order to boost financial sustainability and allow clubs to continue offering playing opportunities in organised football.

The grants can be used towards matchday and training facility hire and league affiliation costs as well as covering match day subs for individuals that aren’t able to afford their regular match fees.

Nick Tucker, Lapford AFC Chairman, said: “We are really pleased to accept the grant from the Football Foundation at a time when money is tight. The grant will go towards a brighter future for a village football club in Mid Devon.”

This push to sustain adult male teams follows the recent “Grow the Game” funding scheme for 2019, which made £1.5 million available for grassroots clubs looking to create new women and girls or disability football teams.

As well as “Grow the Game”, the Football Foundation uses investment from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England, to provide enhanced sporting facilities across the country.

Since 2000, the Foundation has supported more than 16,500 grassroots projects worth more than £1.5bn.