England Under-19s Head Coach, Paul Simpson, believes funding from The FA’s Retain the Game scheme could help to secure the long-term future of FC Lakeside.

The grant, which has been awarded to help aid the retention of adult male teams within grassroots football, will enable FC Lakeside to sustain their Men’s First Team and Reserve over the coming years.

Retain the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation. It awards grants of £750 to existing grassroots football clubs to boost their financial sustainability and allow them to continue offering playing opportunities in organised football.

Funding has been targeted at clubs that operate with two or more male teams aged under-17 and above, and either currently hold The FA’s Adult Charter Standard Award or commit to attaining the award within the next footballing season.

The strategy aims to encourage more clubs to strive for Adult Charter Standard, with research from The FA demonstrating increased levels of sustainability and player recruitment for teams with this award.

Paul Simpson, England Under-19s Head Coach, said: “It’s great to see The FA and the Football Foundation supporting participation in the adult male game at the community level. “Affordability has often been identified as a key barrier, so this grant will ease the financial burden placed on clubs and allow them to concentrate on providing access to competitive football. It is very pleasing to see FC Lakeside taking advantage of this pilot scheme and ensuring that they look forward to a bright future, providing regular opportunities for local people to enjoy the benefits of playing our national game.”

Money invested as part of Retain the Game will go towards covering core costs – including matchday and training facility hire – first aid training and new Nike kit and equipment through a bespoke voucher.

The new scheme has further bolstered The FA’s efforts to increase participation in grassroots football. Earlier this year, they also awarded grants of £1,500 as part of their Grow the Game programme, with particular emphasis placed on boosting the number of female and disabled grassroots football teams. Mike Simmons FC Lakeside Manager , said “This is a fantastic opportunity to sustain both of FC Lakeside’s adult teams, everyone at the club would like to thank the football foundation.” For more information contact: FC Lakeside Manager Mike Simmons Email: mikesimmons8@icloud.com

FC Lakeside are proud to say we have successfully maintained our @FA Charter Standard status for 2018/19. We are committed to delivering the best possible experience for players, referees, coaches and supporters making football safe and fun for everyone. For more information please visit http://bit.ly/2t6n5J0. Thanks to all involved within FC Lakeside for making this happen. #charterstandard #proud #forall

It is with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Roger Hatherway.
I’m sure all connected with FC Lakeside both past and present, will join us in sending our kindest thoughts and condolences to Rogers family.
Roger was our club secretary for 15 or more years, throughout the 1980’s and 90’s.
His passion for FC Lakeside and professionalism in his role, laid the strong foundations for where we are today.
Roger was the back bone of FC Lakeside and along with others, Roger continued to develop our family club and philosophy that has grown over the years.
He was part of the original team of officials who started our great friendship with Dutch Club, VV Oude Maas, which is now as strong as ever after 35 years.
As I am writing this, it makes me realise the extent of the legacy Roger has left with FC Lakeside.
As well as his secretarial duties, he coached and managed various teams.
Also Rogers sons played and now his Grandson is also playing for the club.
Roger was very proud to see how his club has continued to develop and only last month at our club tournament, Roger expressed how pleased he was for us winning the tender bid for Cold Pool Lane.
He mentioned how pleased he was to see so many committed coaches and officials carrying on the great name of FC Lakeside in the local football community.
He quietly kept up to speed with all we are doing.
Please feel free to comment to this post and add your memories you may have of Roger.