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            The Game Changer Programme

            At Howdens, we believe in being worthwhile for all, which is why we launched The Game Changer Programme to support grassroots football with improved clubhouse facilities that are at the heart of the community. We are providing kitchens for 450 clubs across the UK, so lower-league teams have a hub where players and local people can congregate, nurture young talent, and keep the spirit of football alive. Championed by football legends Jill Scott, Chris Kamara, and Julie Fleeting, these new club kitchens present valuable funding opportunities for small teams by giving them the facilities to serve food and drink. This makes them more attractive for external hire and less reliant on external funding to survive. 

            Jill and Kammy posing with a builder
            Transforming Kitchens For Clubs And Communities

            "The new kitchens make a real difference to grassroots clubs and bring local communities together." - Chris Kamara MBE, former footballer and TV presenter

            What Is Game Changer?

            Working alongside the English FA, the Scottish FA, and the Irish FA Foundation, we are transforming hundreds of lower league and grassroots clubhouses through the Game Changer Programme, by providing new kitchen facilities that will become the beating heart of their local communities.

            Like the kitchen is at the heart of the home, these new kitchens are a lifeline for many underfunded football teams, allowing parents, players, and volunteers to host events, food and refreshments that provide valuable funding to keep clubs afloat.

            The People Behind Grassroots Football

            We visited four club transformations across the UK to celebrate the people behind grassroots football. Without these coaches, players and volunteers the game wouldn't be the same. Watch the videos to find out what makes a Game Changer.

            Why Is It Important?

            As well as providing a pathway for the football stars of tomorrow, grassroots, and lower-league football clubs are crucial to their local community. It offers adults and children a chance to socialise and participate in an activity with significant health benefits, where teamwork and cooperation are essential.

            Funding for grassroots football is far from robust. Most of these teams are run by volunteers and survive on goodwill and passion, so these clubhouse kitchens will present valuable funding opportunities to meet day-to-day costs, now and in the future.

             
            Illustrated cupboard door

            Over 300 clubhouse kitchens transformed so far.

            timber

            £3m worth of kitchens committed.

            laminate worktops

            Over 700 applications received.

            Chris & Jill in the clubhouse
            Supporting Grassroots Football

            "The kitchen is the hub of the club, bringing together players, supporters, and the wide community. With the Game Changer programme, grassroots clubs all over the country are set to benefit." - Jill Scott MBE, former footballer and TV panellist.

            See Game Changer Kitchen Makeovers

            Game Changer Makeovers

            • The Everett Rovers club house with their new Howdens kitchen

              Everett Rovers FC

              See The Everett Rovers FC Makeover
            • The new facilities at the Orpington FC clubhouse

              Orpington FC

              See The Orpington FC Makeover

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