grassroots football clubs that want to develop more teams for girls and disabled people will be able to bid for a share of a £1.5m (US$1.9m, €1.8m) funding pot created by the Football Association to reach underrepresented groups.

Grow the Game grants are also available for clubs boosting the number of teams for males over the age of 14 years-old.

Around £1,500 is available for each new team that a club creates. Money can go towards FA coaching courses, FA league affiliation costs, referees’ fees, first aid kits and football kit and equipment.

The scheme is designed to increase diversity at grassroots level and to make football “inclusive of players from different genders, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, ages, sexual orientations and those with disabilities”.

According to the Football Foundation – which is delivering the project – applications from these groups are “being encouraged”.

The application window opens today (1 February) and closes on 29 March.

England coach Gareth Southgate said the funding was “vital” to create new teams.

“The money can help with the fundamentals of any burgeoning club, like buying new kit or training up coaches,” he added.

“It’s relatively small grants like these that make a huge difference to those who play or volunteer in our national game purely for the love of it.”