Footballers in Chartham are celebrating a double success following a £277,809 grant from the Football Foundation plus the award of FA Charter Standard status.

The cash will allow Chartham Sports Club, in partnership with Chartham Parish Council, to build a much-needed changing room facility. The award is the culmination of many years work by the Parish Council, the football club and the Kent county FA.

The facilities will benefit the five youth teams that play in Chartham.

Paul Dolan, the Kent County FA’s Development Manager, said: "The Football Foundation grant will secure the long-term future of football within Chartham.

"The Kent County FA is committed to increasing both the quantity and quality of football facilities across the county and we have now been successful in assisting applicants to attract £16 million of investment into grass roots football in Kent."

Clubs wanting details of funding opportunities should contact KCFA Development Manager Paul Dolan on 01634 812032 or e-mail paul.dolan@kentfa.com. For further details on securing FA Charter Standard status contact Lee Suter on 01634 812032 or e-mail lee.suter@kentfa.com