Howdens Kitchens and England Football launch £3m programme for grassroots clubs
Alongside Howdens, we are delighted to launch the second application window for clubs to apply to improve their kitchen facilities.
Howdens’ Game Changer Programme in partnership with England Football will see the kitchen company aim to fund £3m worth of kitchens over three years for England Football Accredited grassroots clubs.
The Programme has already provided better kitchen facilities to help clubs make their matchday experience more enjoyable and increase revenue opportunities.
Find out if your grassroots club is eligible by reading the guidance information.
The application window closed on 31 January 2024.
Howdens Kitchens helping kit out grassroots clubs
Chris Kamara and Jill Scott paid a visit to a grassroots club to see how Howdens Kitchens are making a change
Football legends Jill Scott and Chris Kamara lent their support, driving home the importance of grassroots football and clubhouse facilities on their own careers.
Jill said: “I have so many fond memories both on and off the pitch. Over the years I’ve visited hundreds of clubhouses and it’s fair to say the kitchen facilities have certainly varied – from a tiny counter at Boldon Girls (my first club) where I used to spend 20p on a bag of mixed sweets after the game, to a bar serving hot food (including my favourite post-match treat – pizza!) at Marine FC, where we played our Everton matches.
“The kitchen is the hub of the club, bringing together players, supporters and the wider community and that’s why I’m so pleased to be involved with the Howdens Game Changer programme, where grassroots clubs all over the country are set to benefit.”
Kammy added: “When I started out, clubhouse facilities were pretty basic! I went to many a tournament with just a bag of crisps and some water to keep me going, hoping that the manager would remember to bring the fruit for our half-time snack. And, if we won, we’d often stop off at the chippy on the way home!
“Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then, but many clubhouses still need help to improve much-needed facilities. So, the new kitchens from Howdens will make a real difference to grassroots clubs and bringing local communities together.”
Kammy visits Hawks Community Youth FC
Chris Kamara visits Hawks Community Youth FC in Portsmouth
Howdens will work with us to support and fund the kitchens, and together they will help connect eligible clubs with local tradespeople, for the fit, via its 800 depots across the country.
To find out more about Howdens, visit:
GAME CHANGER: FIND OUT MORE