SPEN Valley League First Division table-toppers Idle have received a £5,000 Grow the Game grant from the Football Foundation – the country's largest sports charity.

The money has not only helped the club to start up their open-age male team but hopefully to establish junior teams in the future, including girls' sides.

In addition, one senior player has already been on a coaching course for his first badge, with others to follow, while some will receive first-aid training.

Idle's club manager Robert Brook said: "We would like to massively thank the Football Foundation for their support in enabling us to get off the ground.

"Grass-roots football can be very expensive and some of the local authority pitches and changing rooms leave a lot to be desired, and it becomes increasingly difficult to rely on players continually dipping into their pockets, especially when they are out of work or studying.

"We do not want to ostracise these people just because they are short of money as we are a club providing football for the local community, regardless of their situations."

Football Foundation chief executive Paul Thorogood said: "Congratulations to Idle FC for working with the West Riding County FA to secure their £5,000 Grow the Game Grant, which will increase participation in the region, as well as support football development in the area."