TALENTED young ‘Girls Aloud’ players at Beacon Hill Junior Football Club have helped score a £6,000 ‘Grow the Game’ grant.

The £2.5 million programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation, awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially among under-represented groups.

The grant has paved the way for the club’s Girls Aloud squads to expand substantially. Building on the current success of its 35 female players at U10 and U11, the funding will help to provide kit, professional training and coaching to start two new U8 and U9 teams.

England Men’s senior manager and Football Foundation Ambassador, Gareth Southgate, said: “I am so pleased ‘Girls Aloud’ has secured this Grow the Game grant. The club has worked very hard with Surrey FA and the Football Foundation to get more people playing football so 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.”

Alex Gowing, vice-chairman and head coach for Beacon Hill’s Girls Aloud, said: “We are very excited to have been awarded these funds over the next three years. The Grow the Game grant has given us the opportunity to take our plan for ‘girls only’ teams to the next level.

“We’re introducing a team into the youngest age group which is significant in laying a foundation for the future. In two years, we have increased female membership from one to 10 per cent, and this year we will reach a tremendous 20 per cent with the Football Foundation’s support– here come the girls.”