England Women and Arsenal striker Danielle Carter has praised Grow the Game and Girls United Football Association following the award of a £6,000 grant from The FA.

The grant, which will provide a boost to grassroots female football in Lewisham, has paved the way for Girls United to establish a female football academy in the borough.

Girls United will provide opportunities for girls between the ages of six to 18 to take part in formative football training with qualified coaches, as well as leadership training, and mentorship from University coaches.

Girls United will introduce a range of teams, catering specifically to girls, and engaging with the local community, with the aims of empowering young girls and women, providing them with more opportunities to engage in sport, more confidence, and levelling the playing field, on and off the pitch.

Danielle said: “I would like to congratulate Girls United on working with the Football Foundation and London FA to secure a Grow the Game grant.

"Playing in an all-female team from a young age was key to my development, so I am delighted that there will be more opportunities for women and girls in the local area and wish Girls United good luck during their debut season."

Grow the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs wishing 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.

Sent in by Amelia Lampitt