Football is set to be used to raise aspirations and improve health of young people in Southampton, following a £116,000 grant from the Football Foundation.

The funds will allow the appointment of a community football development officer, who will run football sessions and collaborate with Itchen College Sports Academy to improve football coaching.

The capacity of local clubs will be increased and adult and youth volunteering will be encouraged.

Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for housing and neighbourhoods, Phil Williams, says this project will improve the quality of life in the area: “The Football Foundation has given the community this chance to turn vision into reality and we look forward to appointing the right person for the job.”

Dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game and using football for the social good, the Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget.

Chief executive, Paul Thorogood, says the charity welcomes the opportunity to fund initiatives like this, which open up access to the sport, and encourages other organisations in the region to apply for funding.