United Cornwall FC welcomes players of all ages, genders, and abilities together with £2,652 grant

Grow Cornwall’s football club, Cornwall United, brings players of all ages, genders, and abilities together in a safe space to enjoy the game of football and increase their wellbeing.

Cornwall United FC’s (UCFC) mixed gender team was created after Stargazy FC approached them. They wanted a mixed gender team to play against, Grow’s weekly football sessions were created. This was a safe and friendly environment for players to build their confidence, make friends, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Grant Awarded and Impact

In August 2023, Grow Cornwall were awarded £2,652 from the Cornwall Community Fund so that they could hold training sessions for UCFC. The money has allowed them to grow from one weekly session to four, whilst offering this at Pay As You Can, meaning finances are not a barrier to engagement.

6 players from UCFC have gone on to join Veteran, Men and Women league clubs. Joining these clubs will help players make friendships, improve their wellbeing and embed them in their communities.

Since starting this team, Grow’s United Cornwall FC mixed gender team have played 3 games against Stargazy FC. They have more planned as well as a calendar of friendly games against other teams, including NHS staff.

Ruth stopped playing football when she was pregnant, and wanted to get back into the game she loves. Ruth plays weekly at UCFC’s Newquay sessions, which built her confidence to join Newquay Ladies AFC.

She loved UCFC from the first session, being able to play again with so many friends men and women. After starting to feel like she’d never be able to play again, Ruth was able to get back into the game and get some of her physical and mental fitness back.

About the fund

The Community Fund supports community groups and charities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Donations for the community fund come from various individual, corporate and statutory funders. If you are unsure where you would like your donation to go, the Community Fund is the perfect option.

Find out more about Grow CiC.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants.

Support our work by donating to Cornwall Community Foundation online.