Young footballers in Haddenham are set to benefit from fresh investment into local grassroots facilities thanks to a £4,077 a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

The investment will enable Haddenham Youth Football Club (HYFC) to purchase new goals and a second set of portable floodlights for the Airfield pitches.

Alongside the grant, we are drawing on surpluses generated from our Festival of Football at the end of the summer to acquire the additional facilities. The Club is also investing in coaching and essential systems as well as providing special experiences for our players.

Alex Giles, who is the HYFC Committee lead for the Festival and fundraising, said:

“We want to thank the Football Foundation for this fantastic grant which means we have purchased a new set of goals and will soon be buying a second set of portable floodlights.

“Football goals are more expensive than you might think but are essential! It will also be great to have additional floodlights so more of our teams can train on grass in the evenings during the week.”

With a growing community, HYFC aims to attract more players, add more teams and bag more wins - big or small. We are expanding the number of Girls’ teams, backed by Haddenham Beer Festivals Trust, and recently launched a PAN-Disability team – Chiltern Comets - with four local club partners and the County FA.

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

“The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities."

Jon Wood, Head of Delivery at the Berks & Bucks Football Association commented:

“We are pleased to hear that Haddenham Youth have been successful in applying for a grant from the Football Foundation, for a new set of goalposts and portable floodlights. Well done to all those involved in the application, and we look forward to seeing this equipment support the continued growth of the club.

“Facilities play a huge role in creating a positive environment for all of those involved in the game, and Berks & Bucks FA want to continue working with clubs to raise awareness of the support and resources that are available, to ensure we are continuously improving local football facilities.”

Pictured: Alex Giles with the goal build crew - Ali, Sam, Andy and Nick!