Trade kitchen giant Howdens has teamed up with the FA through England football on a £3 million partnership to to support local communities by improving clubhouse facilities for grassroots football clubs in England.
Through the three-year Game Changer initiative Howdens – which recently reported that its pre-tax profit for 2022 was 55% ahead of pre-covid levels – will work with The FA to support and fund £3m worth of kitchens for eligible clubs, and together they will help connect the clubs with local tradespeople for the fit.
Andrew Livingston, chief executive officer, Howdens, said: “There is quite rightly a lot of attention on grassroots football and what happens on the pitch. We feel that the off-pitch facilities are very important too because clubhouses are the hub of the community, they’re the place for teas and coffees for the taxi of mum and dad, where the frozen wet feet of the army of volunteers dry off, and when the post-match discussion starts.
“If kitchens are the heart of our homes, then kitchens should be the heart of community grassroots football too.”
According to James Kendall, director of Football development there are around 18,000 grassroots football clubs across the country, and they are the cornerstone of our national game. A key part of our grassroots strategy is our commitment to strengthen every aspect of local clubs, particularly facilities which play such a crucial role in providing the right environment to play and gather.
“We’re really delighted to be working in partnership with Howdens on this unique Game Changer programme. By providing new kitchens at clubs which are most in need, we aim to help them grow and thrive and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of their players, volunteers, supporters, and the wider community.”
Football legends Jill Scott, MBE and Chris Kamara, MBE (pictured) – both of whom say grassroots and clubhouse facilities had a big impact on their own careers –lent their support to the initiative.
Eligible grassroots clubs can apply here to download application forms: www.howdens.com/Home/help-and-advice/about-us/Charities/game-changer