England Blind footballer Brandon Coleman has praised Grow the Game and Ross Juniors FC following the award of a £6000 grant over three years from The FA.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots disability football in Ross-on Wye, has paved the way for Ross Juniors to help increase the number of disability footballers playing the game and also create a new Under 8’s girls team.

Brandon said: “I am delighted that Ross Juniors has been awarded a Grow the Game grant. The club has worked extremely hard with Herefordshire FA and the Football Foundation to give more local players 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 Ross Juniors the very best of luck for next season!”

Grow the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. It 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; FA league affiliation costs; referees’ fees; first aid kits; football kit and equipment.

Club secretary Mike Tompkins said: "This funding from the Football Foundation will allow the club to expand and provide quality football in a safe environment. This is a fantastic boost for Ross Juniors FC especially after just receiving the brilliant news that it has passed the FA’s Charter Standard Health Check as well".