Old Catton and Stalham Youth have benefited from the FA’s Community Shield Distribution Fund to the tune of £2,500 each.
After the success of last year’s World Cup winning anniversary-themed Community Shield Club Grants, in which Mulbarton Wanderers FC were Norfolk’s recipients of a £1,966 funding boost, the FA Community Shield Distribution Committee announced they would once again continue supporting grassroots club projects.
This year’s Community Shield Distribution saw each county receive two grants of £2,500 to distribute to a pair of clubs with a clear vision of investment in development.
After an application process including all Norfolk Charter Standard Clubs, an independent panel awarded the grants to Old Catton JFC and Stalham Youth FC.
Stalham Youth FC chairman Rob McCombe said: “We are delighted to have received this award as for the past five years our committee and coaching staff have worked extremely hard with the support of Norfolk FA to transform the opportunities we provide for young footballers in Stalham and the surrounding area.
“We are immensely proud of the continual development of our dedicated coaches and our players within the club, collectively following a development first ethos, and this funding will allow us to take that to the next level.
“Working closely with the staff at Norfolk FA we will provide new opportunities for our older players to create pathways into the game through coaching, refereeing and volunteering.
“This funding will allow us to create a tangible legacy to benefit the Stalham community for years to come.”
Old Catton JFC secretary and treasurer Richard King spoke of the club’s delight at being able to utilise the funding on improving their grass facilities: “Old Catton Juniors are very pleased to receive this funding which will be used to treat and reseed our two 11v11 and two 9v9 pitches at Lavare Park.
“This money will go a long way in ensuring we maintain a high standard of playing surface for our young players, particularly through the winter months.”
Norfolk FA chairman Michael Banham said after presenting the grants to both clubs: “I’m delighted to have been able to present two very deserving clubs with a much appreciated financial boost courtesy of The FA Community Shield Distribution Fund.
“With Old Catton opting to use the funding within the Pitch Improvement Programme to enhance and then maintain their facilities at Lavare Park and Stalham Youth choosing to further develop the provision available to their older age groups, it’s evident that both clubs plan to invest well and in a way that will benefit their participants, members and communities.”
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