As part of our on-going commitment to supporting grassroots football around the County we recently launched brand new opportunity for clubs to apply for much needed funding. The 'Small Club Grant Scheme' was created specifically to support our smaller clubs who can sometimes miss out on funding, the grant can be used for upgrading facilities, purchasing new equipment etc. A total of £5,000 was available for clubs to apply for, with over 30+ clubs eventually being offered a share of the funding. 

We will be bringing you updates throughout the season from those clubs who have received funding and how it has helped to improve their facilities and the club in general. This month we visited Mawnan Football Club who were awarded £495 that has gone towards ensuring their floodlights were back up and running. Chairman, Colin Bate said this;

"We are delighted with the help received from the Cornwall FA to enable us to improve the club. After being unable to train on our own ground during the winter for almost three years, thanks to the award of the grant we received from the Cornwall FA that has now been rectified. The floodlights are connected and working well and look impressive. Not only is it a good environment for the players to train in, but it is also helpful in building a solid team spirit throughout the club.

Paperwork can sometimes prevent clubs from making an application, but we found the county FA extremely helpful and I would urge all clubs to take advantage of the benefits that are out there. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Former referee and now CCFA Board member Steve Lawrence was delighted to visit Mawnan AFC a ground at where he first refereed in the mid 70's to officially present the cheque to the Club Chairman Colin and the committee members. 

Cornwall FA will be once again running our “Small Clubs Grant Scheme” for the second year running after the success of year one.  The initiative aims to support our Clubs in the County that are not part of the National League system (Steps 7 and above) and therefore have significant challenges in providing funds for the general upkeep of their facilities.  This will be a “do it yourself scheme” and will invite applications for funding through an application form. Clubs must be affiliated to the CFA and also have or be working towards Charter Standard Status within 6 months.

Some examples of what grant funding may be used for/towards:

Paint for re-decoration of club facilities                               Purchase of new pitch marking machine

Purchase of new goal nets                                                 General Maintenance of the ground

Tea Hut refurbishment                                                         Change boiler

Improve Dug Outs                                                               Club kitchen refurbishment

Goalposts                                                                             Purchase of Club storage Container

Full details of when the scheme will be launched and how your club can get involved will be announced on our website very soon! 

Those pictured are (L-R) Tim Pointon, Kevin Bate, Dave Rickard, Steve Lawrence, Colin Bate receiving the Cheque, Leon Prynn, Greg Renfree, Barry Christopher and Bob Hartnell.