BOLTON Wyresdale Football Club have received a £750 grant from the Football Association.

The award is part of the 'Retain the Game' initiative funded by the FA and delivered by the Football Foundation.

It gives grants of £750 to existing grassroots football clubs to boost their financial sustainability and allow them to continue offering playing opportunities in organised football.

Breightmet-based Wyresdale runs four senior sides – a first team, reserves, thirds and over-35s.

First team manager and club secretary, Aamar Ahmed, said: “We are greatly indebted to the Football Foundation as this grant will help Bolton Wyresdale AFC to cover its financial costs over the coming two seasons.”

Funding has been targeted at clubs that operate with two or more male teams aged under-17 and above, and either currently hold the FA’s Adult Charter Standard Award or commit to attaining the award within the next football season.

The strategy aims to encourage more clubs to strive for Adult Charter Standard, with research from the FA demonstrating increased levels of sustainability and player recruitment for teams with this award.

England Under-19s head coach Paul Simpson, said: “It’s great to see the FA and the Football Foundation supporting participation in the adult male game at the community level.

“Affordability has often been identified as a key barrier, so this grant will ease the financial burden placed on clubs and allow them to concentrate on providing access to competitive football.

“It is very pleasing to see Bolton Wyresdale AFC taking advantage of this pilot scheme and ensuring they look forward to a bright future, providing regular opportunities for local people to enjoy the benefits of playing our national game.”

Money invested as part of 'Retain the Game' will go towards covering core costs including matchday and training facility hire, first aid training and kit.