TIPTREE Heath FC have received praise from England manager, Gareth Southgate, after being awarded a £4,500 grant.

The money, which was handed out as part of the Grow the Game programme, a multi-million pound initiative funded by the FA and the Football Foundation, will be used to create new teams at the club.

The club hope the money will allow them to rebuild their status as a community club in the area, and England manager, Southgate, said the club deserved it for their hard work.

The former defender and Football Foundation Ambassador said: “I am so pleased that Tiptree Heath FC has secured this Grow the Game grant.

“The Club has worked very hard with the Essex County FA and the Football Foundation to get more local people playing football, so that they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that come with playing regular support.

“Grow the Game is mainly funded by the FA and delivered by the Football Foundation.

“This is money that is flowing from the very top of the game down to the lowest levels, to help clubs at the grassroots to bear the cost of starting up a new team, whether it be for a new kit, pitch hire or sending volunteers on FA accredited coaching courses.”

A new Reserve team, Ladies team, several Youth teams, and teams for those affected with disabilities will be launched by the club using the grant money.

The funding will also be used to send staff members on FA coaching courses, as well as to cover the cost of league affiliation, referees fees, first aid kits, and football equipment.

For Tiptree Heath, a club established in 1923 but forced to fold in 2009, the grant is a huge help in their aim to re-establish themselves as a community club.

Club Secretary and former Tiptree Heath player, Ian Dobbins said: “Without the support of organisations such as the Football Foundation, clubs like ours will take a lot longer to develop and to achieve its goals.

“Our aim is to deliver not just a football team to the village but to become a social hub of the community, for young and old to enjoy.

“We want to develop the club in its quest to achieve the successful height, which I was proud to be part of when I played for this traditional club.”