Mike Gapes FA Football Footprint Visit

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes Shows Grassroots Football Support

Frenford YFC Host FA #FootballFootprint Campaign Visit

Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, has visited the Jack Carter Centre to learn more about how FA and Essex County FA investments are widening grassroots participation, supporting player development and improving facilities in the local community.

During the visit, Mike met with some of the emerging young talent from Frenford YFC on Friday 3rd May, a thriving local football club, as well as some of the dedicated staff and volunteers who keep the grassroots game going each week. To acknowledge his support, Essex County FA Development Manager, Nick Emery, presented him with The FA’s Grassroots Champion Award.

The visit was part of the new #FootballFootprint Campaign being run by The FA, the not-for-profit national governing body for the game in England, in conjunction with local County FAs. It gives MPs an opportunity to meet with the army of workers and volunteers who make grassroots football possible at a local level and to visit showcase sites, initiatives and matches.

Mike said: “I was honoured to receive The FA’s Grassroots Champion Award as part of the #FootballFootprint Campaign. Investment into grassroots football for all ages and abilities is so important, particularly here in Ilford South.”

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about the work that The FA and Essex County FA are doing to improve facilities and support player development in the constituency.”

Nick added: “It was fantastic to have Mike spend time with us to learn more about the work being done to support grassroots football in Essex. With thousands of players throughout the county, the great work of our committed staff and volunteers is absolutely essential. It is great to be able to showcase their contribution through The FA’s #FootballFootprint campaign.”

If you’d like to find out more about getting involved in grassroots Essex football as a player, coach, referee, volunteer or in any other way, browse the menus above, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

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