Today 11.8 million people play football in England and Lancing FC believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the game regardless of gender, sexuality, ability or disability. We currently run teams from under 5s to senior men and ladies teams and wish to introduce two additional teams next season - a third under 18s and a pan disability team. We will oversee all coaching and work to safeguard at all levels of the game and provide a range of support services and training for our volunteers. We wish to focus on two areas - late teen males and differently abled football. From the age of 15-17 boys are often lost from the game to other activities which may not be as physically or mentally beneficial. By introducing new teams to this age group we are able to continue to support and mentor them, teach them about a healthy lifestyle and build their self confidence. We will also introduce a pan disability team to enter the Sussex Disability League

What we'll deliver:

• Introduce a new male under 18 team to Lancing
• Introduce at least one pan disability team to Lancing

Why it's a great idea:

Football remains one of the few activities that engages people across all spectrums. This is particularly true of young males who tend to drift away from many activities which can lead to anti-social behaviour - something that has been prevalent in Lancing in recent years. By engaging with young people and giving them a stake in their community we hope to help build good citizens for the future as well as talented footballers who can represent their village at senior level. With the right coaching we believe we can produce players able to make or supplement their living from the game. A recent match saw one of our youth teams take on and beat their age equivalent team from Chelsea FC which lead to one of our players attending Chelsea for a trial. Two of our senior players - one senior male and one senior female - are deaf and also play for the Sussex Disability Representative team ( Nicole is the only female player in the squad) and we would like to extend those opportunities.

Steps to get it done:

• We will enter at least one pan disability team into the Sussex Disability League for the 2019/20 season
• We will enter one under 16 team and enter them into an FA al=ffiliated league for the 2019/20 season
• We will enter one under 18 team and enter them into an FA al=ffiliated league for the 2019/20 season

Setting up teams is a time consuming and expensive business. Lancing FC are a small club in a socially deprived area and finance is a constant battle. We do not play any players, officials or manager and only have one paid physio. As such the club is run by volunteers and the players play for the love of the game. Each team must be affiliated to the FA and pay league entry fees and needs home and away kit and tracksuits. These are expensive and sponsors are increasingly difficult to find in a competitive market place. There are also continued expenses in referees, pitch hire, transport costs and so on and we would like to minimise costs to those who are amongst the least able to pay.For the two teams we propose to introduce this year we already have coaches and welfare officers in place and the current committee will oversee the administration. We have some training equipment but with added teams this will bring added wear and tear so some new equipment will be necessary.