Grassroots football groups throughout the UK have benefited from a funding scheme designed to increase involvement from under-represented communities.

Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign, has joined forces with the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sporting charity, to deliver ‘development grants’ of up to £2,000 each.

The grants were awarded to support activities in communities where football has not had a significant impact.

Groups that received the money included faith based organisations, the traveller community, eastern European immigrants and estates based groups. Funds were also awarded to groups working to address issues of racial tension and territorial conflict.

Said director of Kick It Out,Piara Powar: "The aim of the grants was to give communities the opportunity to get involved in the game. Whether that’s playing, coaching or refereeing, the programme exists to increase participation from these groups in towns and cities right across the country.

"The range of projects funded this year has again expanded and we’ve seen the cash being put to some really innovative use."

From the 200 plus applications received by the panel, successful projects include a futsal project in east London, a multi-faith football scheme in Preston and a project aimed at raising participation for refugees in Bury. 

Chief executive of the Football Foundation, Paul Thorogood added: "Since its inception the Football Foundation’s key goal has been to increase opportunities for everyone to be able to play our national game if they want to. It is excellent news that through this new partnership with Kick It Out even more community groups will have the opportunity to get involved and play football."