Cash boost for sport and activity projects across Shropshire
More than 30 sports groups across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are to receive a cash boost as part of a package of financial aid worth nearly £40,000.
County sports partnership Energize has secured funding from Sport England’s ‘Sportivate’ programme to help widen opportunities for young people.
The £39,110 investment is being divided between 31 projects, and will be used to pay for new equipment, training, coaching qualifications, facility hire, and to provide incentives for young people to remain active.
The supported projects are spread across the county, from Telford and Shrewsbury, to Bridgnorth, Shifnal, Oswestry, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer, Wem, Ellesmere, Whitchurch and Newport.
They range from archery and handball to golf, tennis, cricket, sailing, trampolining, and several dance-based exercise programmes.
Ben Harper, Senior Sports Manager at Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist so many organisations once again with this Sportivate funding.
“The Sportivate programme is in its sixth year, and is a Lottery-funded programme aiming to give young people who are not particularly sporty, access to 6-8 weeks of subsidised coaching in a range of sports.
“The hope is that, with help from this latest funding, Shropshire organisations will be able to provide incentives for young people to remain active after their initial taster sessions.”
Ben said local community providers had provided £23,000 of in-kind contributions to enable the projects to happen - the majority of this by volunteering their time to coach or lead activities.
Since 2010, Sportivate has given 5,600 young people across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin the opportunity to try a new activity.
Marvyn Joseph, who manages Sportivate in Telford & Wrekin on behalf of Energize, said: “Sportivate is great source of funding from Sport England which invests in local community projects for young people to be more active in the community.
“In Telford & Wrekin, a number of projects have recently received Sportivate funding including climbing, handball, cardio tennis, park gym/fitness classes, and many more.”
Ilona Loewnau, the chair and head coach of Shropshire Handball Foundry, said the Sportivate investment was part of a project to attract new members, and raise participation and awareness of handball in the county.
She said: “The investment provides funds for coaching, equipment, advertisement and covers qualification for voluntary coaches.”
And Judith Thornell, joint organiser of the Girls Into Golf project in Oswestry, said: “Taking golf outside the club will, hopefully, break down barriers and the perception it is expensive and not easy to access. The main target is girls but a secondary target is the parents who will also be encouraged 'to have a go' at a later stage.”
Sportivate is still looking for Shropshire-based projects in which to invest. For more information, contact Ben Harper at Energize on 01743297194 or email info@energizestw.org.uk.
Energize, based at University Centre Shrewsbury in Frankwell Quay, promotes sport and active lifestyles, and believes there is an activity out there for everyone, whether they see themselves as ‘sporty’ or not.
