Howdens is extending its award-winning community outreach programme, Game Changer, for an additional year and has committed to supplying a further £1 million worth of kitchens to grassroots football clubs.
The Howdens Game Changer Programme works with grassroots football clubs and clubs in the National League System and Women's Football Pyramid to transform clubhouse kitchen facilities, helping them to become sustainable community hubs.
Since the programme's inception, Howdens has provided over 400 brand-new kitchens, worth over £3 million, to local communities in partnership with England Football, with the Scottish FA and Irish FA Foundation also supporting the programme's reach across the UK.
Forbes McNaughton, Group Company Secretary for Howdens, said: "We're so proud to commit a further £1-million-worth of kitchens to support local teams and to transform even more club facilities, alongside our trade partners.
"We know that grassroots football clubs are central to local communities – the players, parents and volunteers, and they represent more than just places to play a match. When facilities are refurbished, the club becomes more accessible and has a greater chance of a sustainable future."
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, added: "Grassroots football clubs across the country are the cornerstone of our national game and make a huge impact on the lives of their players, volunteers, supporters and the wider community.
"We're delighted that Howdens have continued to support the grassroots game with renewed investment, including £1 million into the Game Changer programme to renovate club kitchens, and as title sponsors of our annual Grassroots Football Awards which celebrate volunteers at the heart of their communities".
For Hedinghams United FC in Essex, the new kitchen installed for them through the Game Changer programme has helped unlock more opportunities to use the clubhouse as a shared community space. "If it wasn't for Howdens donating the kitchen, we wouldn't be able to run events at the club that bring the community together," explained Steve Parsons, Chairman of Hedinghams United FC.
At Borehamwood Youth FC in Hertfordshire, the benefits go well beyond football. The improved facilities mean the club can support wider community activity, creating a space that people can use and feel part of. "It's not only the teams that play here that use the facilities, our local community can hold events here now. It really connects our community to the club. It's a real community, it's a real family," said Tracey Plumb, Committee Member at Borehamwood Youth FC.
The programme was recognised for its community contribution at the Football Business Awards 2025, winning ‘Best Football Community Scheme – Non-Premier League or Championship'.
Building on its commitment to grassroots football, Howdens will also sponsor The FA's Grassroots Football Awards 2026, which this year take place on 16 August. The Grassroots Football Awards celebrate the volunteers, coaches, clubs, leagues and match officials who are the heart of grassroots football in England. The awards are nominated by members of the public and aim to recognise the dedication and passion of those making a lasting impact on their local communities and the game.
