Hucknall Sports YCFC celebrate following a £5,000
 Grow the Game grant awarded by the Football Foundation,
 the country’s largest sports charity.


Alan Spray Chairman of Hucknall Sports YCFC, said "Hucknall Sports are one of the most established names in youth football in Nottinghamshire. Founded in 1977, playing most of their games at Wigwam although because of ongoing housing developments have had to temporarily transfer to Goosedale Sports Facility in Bestwood.

The club has grown significantly over the past 10 years and continues to develop in various ways to contribute to the youth of Hucknall. They have one of the best Soccer School ’s around the area confirmed by the progress made at various age groups throughout the club. They recently held an inhouse first aid and safeguarding children refresher courses for our club members and Team Managers. Hucknall Sports loyal band of helpers over the past 12years have hosted one of the largest junior soccer competitions with over 800 players taking part.

As part of their continuing development they have contributed to a new Notts FA initiative in entering a team in the new Under 21’s league.. This is in line with the FA and the professional games emphasis on nurturing young talent between the ages of 16-21. The FA have identified this area as a major concern as there is a significant decline in participation at this age group. . The new league will see U21 teams from across Nottinghamshire compete and  Hucknall Sports YCFC have a proud history of producing talented young players in the local game.

The club is extremely proud to receive the Grow the Game grant and would like to thank the Football Foundation for their assistance. The funds will ensure that  Hucknall Sports YCFC can maintain their outstanding reputation delivering quality coaching and facilities to all our members over the next few seasons. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jody Cauldwell & Ricky Stevenson of the Nottinghamshire County FA and all our sponsors for their continued support of the club.

Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity. Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 8,000 grants worth more than £420m towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership funding of over £520m. 

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate Hucknall Sports YCFC and the Nottinghamshire County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award. 

“Our Grow the Game scheme helps fulfil one of the Foundation’s core objectives, which is getting more people playing more football. During the 2009-10 season, Grow the Game projects attracted more than 21,000 new players to our national game."

“This new project in Nottingham is but one example of thousands across the country that the Football Foundation is supporting with money provided by our funding partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government.”