Cumbrian clubs are being urged to take advantage of a £50k fund for grassroots sports launched by Fibrus Broadband today which has already given a massive boost to young golfers in Penrith.
The Play it Forward Fund, now in its second year, offers up to £1,000 per club to help with equipment, kits, improving facilities and subsiding training fees.
Since it was launched last year, around 20 organisations in Cumbria have received grants, including Penrith Golf Club Junior Academy who can now enjoy their sport in all weathers thanks to the Fund.
The Fund is designed to help children switch off from their devices, get active and have fun.
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “Investing in local communities is one of our core missions at Fibrus and our Play it Forward Fund allows us to play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of children.
“Sports and clubs are intrinsic to the communities in which we operate, and we are committed to supporting these communities wholly, through both digital connectivity, but also to ensure clubs have access to essential funds to support children’s sports in their area.
“After such a good response to the Fund last year, we are delighted to continue this initiative in 2024 to support grassroots community sports organisations. We are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities in the upcoming year”.
At Penrith Golf Club Junior Academy, around 30 golfers aged eight to 18 take part in weekly training sessions, but frequent cancellations due to bad weather will be a thing of the past thanks to a new set of range mats purchased with a grant from the Fibrus Play It Forward Fund.
The mats mean that training can take place inside and more young players will be able to take part even when the weather is below par.
Tim Dykes, Director of golf at Penrith Golf Club, said: “The six new mats mean we are now able to accommodate more juniors during periods of bad weather, particularly when training needs to take place at our driving range.
“By having the mats, we hope to offer more coaching earlier and later in the season when conditions are too wet outside.
“This has already happened in recent weeks and the junior Monday night coaching has been able to go ahead when previously it would have been cancelled. This is a hugely positive step forward, thanks to Fibrus for making this possible.”
The club has built strong links with local schools and offers free training sessions for its juniors. It also raises money to pay for junior members to encourage more children to try their hand at golf.
The Play it Forward 2024 initiative comes shortly after Fibrus announced £120,000 of funding available across Northern Ireland and Cumbria through the Fibrus Community Fund, to alleviate digital poverty, underlining the broadband providers’ commitment to the local community.
The next round of Play it Forward funding is now open and will close on the 5th of July 2024.
Sports clubs across Cumbria and Northern Ireland can apply to the £50,000 fund via https://fibrus.com/play-it-forward-fund
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