England Blind star Brandon Coleman delighted by Rotherham College’s funding success

England Blind footballer Brandon Coleman has praised Grow the Game and Rotherham College following the award of a £3000 grant from The Football Association (FA).

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots disability football in Rotherham has paved the way for Rotherham College to create two new disability football teams for both male and female college students, as well upskilling staff and students in coaching, refereeing and first aid qualifications.

Brandon said: “I am delighted that Rotherham College has been awarded a Grow the Game grant. The college has worked extremely hard with Sheffield and Hallamshire FA and the Football Foundation to give more students living with a disability the opportunity to get involved in the game.”

“Playing disability football from a young age not only provides a number of physical, mental and social benefits, but gives players the best chance to develop skills and achieve their potential. It is fantastic to see this money flowing down to the grassroots of the game and I wish Rotherham College the very best of luck for next season!”

Grow the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. The charity awards grants to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams, especially amongst under-represented groups.

This year, £1,500 was made available for clubs looking to create new female and disability football teams to help towards the costs of FA coaching courses, including referees’ fees, first aid kits, football kit and other equipment.

Justin Preston, Health and Activity Lead for Rotherham College said:

“This grant will provide a fantastic opportunity to engage our students living with a disability in football. The opportunity to participate with peers and friends as well as competing against other local colleges, is a welcome addition to the ‘Active for Life’ programme delivered within the College.

“The support from the Football Foundation and local County FA has been fantastic and both staff and students are very excited for opportunities this funding will provide.”