Local news

World Karate Championship opportunity for mighty Kayah

We are pleased to announce we’re supporting Kayah Michorczyk in her aim to compete at the WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee next month.

Kayah, from Gorleston, is seven years old and her parents are amazed at her achievements, especially being appointed to the World Karate Championships after only one year of competing with her club, Phoenix Karate Schools. The school holds classes in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft areas and the club’s Parents Fundraising Committee regularly organises fundraising events to enable their members to compete, such as in the European Competition in Italy.

The Kenshin Karate Organisation competition squad is supporting Kayah with her entry fees and we are delighted to support Kayah with funding towards kit and equipment, which is compliant with the World standard competition rules. This includes specially developed uniform, including Kata Gi and Kumite Gi, and KKO team tracksuit; plus a chest guard; head guard; shinpads; white and red mitts; and mouthguards.

Kayah is so pleased to have received funding: “It will allow me to represent England and Kenshin Karate Organisation at WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee. I can inspire the children to join not only karate but any other activities in our community. I am proof that small towns and clubs have the same opportunities to be part of some worldwide projects.”

For the latest news on Kayah, visit Phoenix Karate Schools’ Facebook page and their website plus the Phoenix Karate fundraising Facebook page.

We wish Kayah amazing success for the World Championships and for her future. We look forward to seeing her progress along the way.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in September 2023.

Competition dresses to nurture local talent at The Dance Base

We are delighted to announce we’re supporting The Dance Base in the purchase of competition dresses to help their students compete at a national level.

Based in Great Yarmouth, The Dance Base teach Ballroom and Latin dancing, making the sport accessible to both adults and children, from complete beginners to more experienced levels. The organisation has over 200 members and offers opportunities for members to compete across the country and even internationally.

An increasing number of children are reaching competition level, meaning more competition dresses are needed to enable them to compete at national competitions, including the National Grand Finals in Blackpool. Megan Reeves, The Dance Base Director, is focused on supporting families who, due to limited finances, would otherwise not be able to afford to take classes nor compete.

From a young age, Megan from Gorleston, worked three jobs to help pay for her own dresses and lessons and has since achieved working with Strictly stars, appearing on national television, as well as competing nationally and internationally. Megan set up The Dance Base to support and encourage local talent, with a strong focus on keeping costs down so the sport is as accessible as possible to families in the area and to enable talented children to achieve their best at competition level. In order to keep costs down for dance students’ parents, competition dresses, usually £100 each, are currently purchased by Megan using her own personal funds. Megan sought funding to enable her to offer more places for children wishing to compete.

Megan said “We cannot thank Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust enough for their support. With their help, it means that we can share our love and passion with our community, as well as helping to cherish and nurture the talent of local dancers. This fund will allow us to financially support those with lower incomes to reach the highs of competing in the home of ballroom dancing, Blackpool Winter Gardens. We will be able to provide uniform and fabulous competition dresses for those who may not otherwise be able to participate in such wonderful events. We welcome everyone, from any background, to our studio and our fabulous ballroom world and funds like this help us to make it as accessible and inclusive as we possibly can.”

For the latest news on The Dance Base, visit their website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

We wish The Dance Base continued success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in May 2023.

Safe, secure storage for Wherry Archers equipment

We are pleased to announce we’re supporting Wherry Archers in helping to provide a storage container for their archery equipment.

image of Wherry Archers

Formed in 1992, the family-friendly archery club are based at Filby Village Playing Field, and encourage recreational and competitive archery as a sport for all. The club currently has 28 members, with ages ranging from 9 to 69. Their junior members are aged from 9 to 14 years old, with some having disabilities including Autism and ADHD. Barry Hales, Chairperson said of their youth members: “it has been uplifting to see them blossom and enjoy being part of the club”.

The club’s equipment sheds have been subject to vandalism and the club has been increasingly concerned about the risk of damage to their equipment. The funding, together with funds raised by the club, will enable the club to purchase a shipping container in which to secure their equipment.

image of Wherry Archers storage container

Affiliated to Archery GB, the club caters for all forms of target archery, including Recurve bow, Barebow, Compound bow and Longbow. The club aims to attract more youth and adult members from Great Yarmouth and surrounding areas, promoting keeping active and providing a social environment for all.

Barry adds “The grant means that, together with funds raised within the club, we are now in the position to proceed with the purchase of a container, whilst still leaving the club with sufficient funds to continue. Once purchased, we will have peace of mind that our equipment will be safe and secure.”

For the latest news on Wherry Archers, visit their website and join their group on Facebook.

We wish Wherry Archers continued success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2023.

More Crash Mats needed for Great Yarmouth Martial Arts Club

We are pleased to announce we’re once again supporting Great Yarmouth Martial Arts (GYMA) in providing safety equipment for mixed martial arts, judo, and self-defence classes.

Children using crash mats in martial arts

Back in November 2021, we supported GYMA with new crash mats and these have been so beneficial to the success of the club that two larger crash mats are needed for their multiple group practice sessions.

Run by Head Coach, Peter Esposito, the not-for-profit community club offers sessions from three venues in Great Yarmouth: Century Training Academy, St Paul's Church and St Mary's Church. The club offers coaching in Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and supports women’s empowerment with Self-Defence classes.

The club is dedicated to promoting physical and mental wellbeing to all abilities and ages from 5 years upwards and offers all sessions at £1.

Activities on offer can help improve fitness, coordination, mental stamina and social skills; increase flexibility and mobility; aid weight loss; help maintain better mental health, mindfulness and personal confidence; and provides trauma respite. The club is keen to encourage new members to join and is proud to be fully inclusive, offering all sessions at £1.

Head Coach, Peter Esposito said “These children really appreciate very large safety mats that GYS&L Trust have helped us acquire - great for safely promoting their mental & physical health.

For the latest news on GYMA, follow on Facebook and Instagram

We wish GYMA continued success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2023.

Division One ambition for Martham Cricket Club

We’re delighted to support Martham Cricket Club with funding for roll-on pitch covers, which will help the team gain promotion to Division One leagues.

The local village team has gone from strength to strength and works hard to continually improve club facilities. With over 70 members, two adult teams and three youth teams, Martham Cricket Club have just achieved ECB Club Accreditation, with their first team top of the league. In order to be considered for promotion to Division One, the club needs to protect the wicket with roll-on covers. The pitch covers will ensure the ground is protected, enabling teams to play throughout the season, even in poor weather.

The club plays an important part in the local community and aims to keep growing, reaching the wider community, providing opportunities for more people to play recreational cricket in a safer environment, with better facilities for prospective players.

Every penny helps this community club to continue to thrive, growing youth links in particular. Such a generous donation from a respected local business is a fabulous gesture - appreciated by all associated with MCC, thank you.“ Kelly Spencer, Hon. Treasurer.

We wish Martham Cricket Club every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Martham Cricket Club, follow on their website, Facebook and Twitter

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2023.

Funding for football equipment for Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat 11s team

We’re pleased to announce we’re supporting Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat with funding towards football equipment.

Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat football 11-a-side team has been recently formed by members wanting to progress with their journey through football. The FA-affiliated team are made up of people who are looking to lose weight and increase their wellbeing. Their philosophy is that “no matter what, things can still be done and achieved”.

The funding will help the team purchase football equipment including bibs, balls, cones, kit and first aid equipment. The better training facilities will help Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat establish and grow the team quickly and continue in the mini league.

Treasurer, Craig Cannon said "The funding we receive will help us with the bigger goal of losing weight, than the one in the net”.

We wish Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2023.

Tribute to Phyllis Ecclestone

In tribute to the late Phyllis Ecclestone, we wanted to tell a little of Phyllis’ story and thank all those who have made donations to Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust in her memory.

Phyllis passed away in August at the age of 96 and throughout her life, played an active role in improving sport facilities in the Great Yarmouth area.

A founder member of the Great Yarmouth and District Sports Council in the 1960s, Phyllis’ worked alongside some our our valued Trustees, giving many voluntary hours over the years to encourage and support grassroots sport and physical activity throughout the borough. Her achievements, to name but a few, included raising money for football training sessions; organising events to boost sport council funds; and enabling an extra swimming lane at the Marina Centre.

Originally from Port Talbot in Wales, Phyllis met her future husband while on holiday in Great Yarmouth, and lived in the area for 77 years. Much loved by her four children, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, Phyllis was also loved by her community. Phyllis was a school governor, a carer for terminally ill people, president of the Sports Council, a member of the Great Yarmouth Physical Culture Club and part of the Great Yarmouth Amateur Operatic Society. In 2006, she received a civic award from the then mayor of Great Yarmouth.

In an interview for the Great Yarmouth Mercury, her son Victor said “Mum taught me the value of education and hard work and independence, values that supported my future career. She was a remarkable perceptive woman.”

We thank her family for offering donations to Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust in her memory.


To read more about Phyllis’ amazing life, see Great Yarmouth Mercury’s story


Under Open Sky walk forwards with funding for outdoor equipment

We’re delighted to announce we’re supporting Under Open Sky Ltd (UOS) with funding for outdoor equipment for coastal engagement sessions and walking activities.

Image of logo for Under Open Sky

Founded by Genevieve Rudd in 2021, the not-for-profit social enterprise based in Great Yarmouth explores the changing coastal climate through arts, cultural heritage, science and walking, primarily with people facing social and health challenges. Current projects include Women Walking Wild sessions and Beach Labyrinth reflective walking.

So participants can experience outdoor activities more comfortably and safely, UOS will purchase low-impact, quality equipment to aid their walking and outdoor sessions, such as nature-connection walks for people experiencing health and social barriers. The equipment will enable groups to extend the time spent outside and add elements of science and creativity.

Image of people doing an activity at Under Open Sky

The kit includes an air quality monitoring device which will contribute to local environmental monitoring and help participants to be more informed of the changing climate and pollution affecting local coastal environments; waterproof clipboards which participants can use for drawing in variable weather conditions in arts-based nature-connection activities; a Kelly Kettle for hot drinks at any outdoor location; fire lighting kits to safely light Kelly Kettle outdoors, enabling sharing of fire safety skills; and a HD Action Camera to record walking and outdoor experiences to support their marketing activities and creative expression of participants, which UOS hopes will open up an avenue for working with filmmaking outdoors.

We're so pleased to receive support to buy outdoor kit for our programmes led by Under Open Sky. We work predominantly with adults experiencing health, social or income barriers to nurture their connection to the coastal environment. This kit will especially help to support our group members to be comfortable in all weathers, meaning we can continue our coastal and outdoor engagement work in different seasons.” Genevieve Rudd

We wish Under Open Sky every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Under Open Sky, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in November 2022.

Funding for MMA cage and wall mats for Union Thai

We’re pleased to announce we’re supporting Union Thai with funding towards an MMA cage and wall mats.

Run by Marcos Lopes Guimaraes, Union Thai have over 50 members and specialise in Muay Thai. The equipment will help Union Thai protect their students from injuries, enable larger classes and provide more classes to the community. In addition, Union Thai have students who have obtained gold medals in the WKO British Championships, so the club aims to give their students the opportunity of ring experience so they can train harder towards a professional, competitive career.

 “We feel with the extra funding we can provide a more professional and safe place for everyone to access and train. We want to be the first club in the area to provide the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) experience.” Marcos Lopes Guimaraes

We wish Union Thai every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Union Thai, follow them on Facebook.

 

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in November 2022.

New silks for Next-Gen Aerial and acrobatic arts

We’re delighted to support Next-Gen Aerial and acrobatic arts with funding for a new pair of aerial silks and balance beam for their gym classes.

The equipment will enable Next-Gen to offer more classes, increase class numbers, give existing members extra equipment to use and provide opportunities for local instructors and dance schools.

Based in Gorleston-On-Sea and run by Nicola Ionescu, Next-Gen have grown in numbers over the past few years, offering classes in gym and aerial skills for both adults and children. Nicola, an aerial performer enjoys teaching others something she loves to do herself: “I think it’s important for kids to have a healthy and active hobby. Aerial silks help with strength, flexibility and co-ordination; and gymnastic skills are a strong base for many other art forms, such as dance. The funding has meant we could purchase a brand new pair of aerial silks and enable us to run extra classes for beginners right up to adult! We have certainly enjoyed using them this summer, thank you!"

We wish Next-Gen every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Next-Gen, follow them on Facebook.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in November 2022.

New football equipment for Southtown Primary School U11s football teams

We’re pleased to announce we’re supporting Southtown Primary School with funding for football equipment.

Photo of the team at Southtown Primary School

Three years ago, we supported Southtown Primary School in Great Yarmouth with funding for a football kit and it’s great to see they’re now at a stage where they’ve entered two teams in an U11s football league. Their current application has been successful and will help the school purchase league-sized foldaway football goals, pitch-marking equipment, goalie gloves, footballs and bibs.

The equipment will enable the school to enter more teams from other year groups and promote physical activity for a wider range of children in the school, including after school clubs and lunchtime activities.

Photo of football equipment purchased from funding from GYSLT

Thank you so much for your funding which has enabled us to take part in football events which our children would otherwise have missed out on. The new equipment can help our childrens’ physical and mental wellbeing, increasing self-esteem, personal achievement and a sense of pride in their team; with the understanding that taking part and teamwork are just as important as winning.” Zoe Chilvers, School Support Manager.

We wish Southtown Primary School every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Southtown Primary School, follow them on their website and Twitter.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in September 2022.

Free training on identifying trees this Summer

Next time you’re out walking, wouldn’t you like to know about the different trees around you? Learning to identify broadleaf trees can not only help you connect with nature, but can also lead to an interesting career.

Working together with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Trees for Cities, the Field Studies Council are excited to offer free training to residents living in the Great Yarmouth area, particularly young people who would like to know more about their local environment.

The training includes how to identify a range of broadleaf trees and will also offer insights into careers working with trees.

The training is perfect for young people with an interest in identifying, planting, protecting and caring for urban trees, who are looking to volunteer, learn or work in this sector.

The course will be delivered either as a one-day face-to-face course on 13th August or online starting 8th August. The 4-week online course includes self-led online study, activities, assignments and live Zoom sessions, with a time commitment of around 2-3 hours per week. An E-certification will be provided upon completion of the course.

Registrations are now open and will close on the 20th June at 9am. Numbers are limited, so register now!

To register, visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/free-tree-training/

Broadway Bella’s set the barre higher

We’re delighted to announce we’re supporting Broadway Bella’s with funding for a ballet barre and dance equipment.

Photo of Gabriella Harvey-Mobbs outside Broadway Bella's studio

The musical theatre company’s director, Gabriella Harvey-Mobbs has run Broadway Bella’s for the past 2 years and it was our pleasure to support Gabriella back in November 2020 with new uniforms and equipment to help her with start-up costs. 

Broadway Bella’s has gone from strength to strength and has now secured a studio in Great Yarmouth for their local qualified and experienced tutors to teach their 200+ members, from two years old to adult. Their new studio was previously a spray centre unit and has so far cost Broadway Bella’s £6,000 to renovate. Gabriella is hoping the renovated studio will provide a valuable resource not only for them to develop their classes, but also for fitness classes, such as Pilates and boxercise, so the whole community can be involved.

Photo of Broadway Bella's studio interior

Gabriella is using the latest funding for dance equipment, such as ribbons and instruments to enhance lessons for their Broadway Baby classes; a speaker system for other classes; heaters for the comfort of their members; and a ballet barre.

The company are constantly expanding and wish to provide high quality, comfortable classes to all their members. They aim to provide the very best experience for their members and to continue to provide affordable classes to the local community. From the amazing feedback they receive, it’s clear their members feel the classes have improved their confidence and helped both their physical and mental health.

We are so delighted to receive this grant, so kindly given by Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust. Broadway Bella's has grown rapidly in the last 6 months and now have 200 students and are ever growing. The studio allows us to have a home for all of our classes and the funding will be going towards new equipment for our studio. Not only will the base be used for singing and dance, but fitness classes and wellness classes, an amazing hub for the Borough. Thank you so much again.” Gabriella Harvey- Mobbs, Director.

Broadway Bella’s are busy preparing for two shows this year in July and November at St George’s Theatre.

We wish Broadway Bella’s every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Broadway Bella’s, follow them on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in September 2022.

New kit and equipment for Hemsby Football Club

We’re pleased to announce we’re supporting Hemsby Football Club with funding towards kits and equipment for their two brand new teams.

Hemsby FC logo

Hemsby FC have around 50 adult members and 35 youth members and is enthusiastic about continuing to offer football playing opportunities to their members and the wider community. This season sees the club expanding to two new teams, in addition to their adult veteran and youth teams: a second adult veterans team and an under 10s team. The grant will contribute towards two new kits, two first aid kits and training footballs. 

Hemsby FC new kit

"Hemsby FC are very grateful to Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust for their financial support, which has helped to establish two new teams for the 2021-22 season at opposite ends of the age spectrum. A new Under 10s team was started at the club by two former Hemsby FC adult players, to add to the club’s two other youth teams. Due to the number of Veteran age group players that attended pre-season training, the club took the decision to start a second Veterans team, under the name of Hemsby Veterans Norsemen, to complement the already established Hemsby Veterans Vikings. The financial support provided by GYS&LT contributed towards team kits, first aid kits and training balls for both Under 10 and Vets Norsemen teams, helping Hemsby FC provide football playing opportunities for an increased number of people.” Secretary, Hemsby FC

 

We wish Hemsby Football Club every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Hemsby FC, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.


If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in May 2022.

All female football club benefits from improved pitch facilities

We’re delighted to announce we’re supporting Yarmouth Football Club with funding for equipment to improve the facilities of their current pitch.

Yarmouth Football Club is a female only club for girls and women. The club has four teams: 6+ Skills Club, U11 Girls Team, U14 Girls Team and 16+ Ladies Team. The club is 48 members strong and provides a safe, fund and supportive environment for girls and women and the club’s main objective is to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of girls and women in Great Yarmouth, through playing team sports. Members of the Ladies Team are also offered the opportunity to attend Kickboxing training through one of the club’s sponsors.

The club is a small grassroots non-profit organisation, relying on member fees and sponsorship and any profits are used to improve quality and services provided. The new equipment will include folding sport benches, first aid kits, passing arcs, a rebounder and team shelter; to greatly improve team training sessions, safety and comfort.

The club’s vision for the future is to support girls and women in achieving their potential in both amateur and professional games. Lee Carter, Manager of the U11 Girls Team said “This grant will allow us to purchase additional training and flexibility items which will greatly improve the quality of training. The U11 team will benefit a lot from doing different drills using different training methods and equipment. I believe this way we can get the girls to achieve their potential, having a variety of training exercises to keep things challenging and their minds switched on, which will also help them focus whilst training and in matches.”

We wish Yarmouth Football Club every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on YFC, follow on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in May 2022.

New mats for performing arts academy’s gymnastics and new mindfulness classes

We’re delighted to announce we’re supporting DPA Performing Arts Academy with new mats for their gymnastic and new mindfulness classes.

Based at Longs Business Estate in Gorleston-on-Sea, the academy offers performing arts and fitness classes for children and young people. DPA currently has 102 members, enjoying classes including Imagine for children 18 months to 4 years; Impact, Ignite & Inspire for children aged 5 years+; BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Musical Theatre for young people aged 16+; ballet training, holiday workshops and a pro-industry masterclass. DPA is also an ISTD Approved Dance Centre so young people aged 17+ can gain a Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education.

Established in 2010, DPA bridges the gap between drama clubs and further education performing arts establishments. The charity has helped hundreds of children over last 11 years, continually growing by offering new classes and fundraising. Their latest fundraising campaign aims to raise almost £20,000 for a new floor to be installed.  

The academy aims to engage more young people in their classes and are in the process of creating a new fitness and mindfulness-based class. To make classes affordable for everyone, all classes are subsidised, and scholarships are offered for children that could not attend without financial help.

DPA Principal, Karen Thompson said “Just wanted to thank you - all our mats, balls and bands have been purchased and the children are so happy. We have been able to offer three free spaces in the class, thanks to the funding.”

We wish DPA Performing Arts Academy every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on DPA Performing Arts Academy, follow on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in May 2022.

Artificial turf enables all year-round sports coaching

We’re pleased to announce we’ve supported SweeneySportsPerformance (SSP) with funding towards artificial sports turf for their indoor facility to ensure all year-round sessions for their members.

Photo of artificial turf

SweeneySportsPerformance offers coaching sessions for individuals and groups from young children to teenagers and adults. Their aim is to give as many people as possible the chance to develop in their sport, by providing top quality coaching and facilities.

By offering an indoor facility, more people can access facilities to practice, stay active and develop in their chosen sport. An important aspect is to provide a space for their members to develop practical, communication and social skills, in addition to becoming fitter and healthier.

Coach, Robbie-Lee Sweeney said “We believe that sport matters for people’s wellbeing and mental health. Being able to partake in sport in a friendly and professional environment helps to bring people closer together and enjoy sports, ultimately leading to a happier lifestyle. We want to give as many people as we can the chance to use our facility and help them to develop their skills. We hope to provide an all year-round facility that can help as many people as possible in a range of different sports and fitness aspects”.

We wish SSP every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on SSP, follow them on Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2022.

New rain jackets for family focused football club

We’re so pleased to support Hopton Harriers Football Club again, this time with rain jackets for their U15 team.

Photo of Hopton Harriers Football Club banner

The club restarted last year after an absence of 12 years and the club has grown quickly with support from parents and over 20 adult volunteers. Despite dealing with difficulties due to the pandemic, the club has grown to 6 mixed teams and 3 female-only teams. Over 100 children aged from 3 to 15 years enjoy the village youth club which has built up a reputation of being a good family feel club, focusing on developing players and upholding good sportsmanship and fair play.

With the investment of new rain jackets, the children will be able to enjoy training and playing even in wet weather.

Rob Smith, Treasurer, said “Thanks for the funding approval, that is really great news. It means a great deal to the players as we come into the winter months, and the weather becomes wet and cold. From a club point of view, seeing all the players wearing the same looks good and gives them a good sense of belonging to a team. Once again, thank you!

We wish Hopton Harriers FC every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on Hopton Harriers FC, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2022.

Mini soccer pitch for local village football club

We’re delighted to support Martham Football Club once more, this time with a mini soccer pitch so they can expand their number of youth teams.

The local village football club offers activities for all ages and for the 2021/22 season, they’re planning on running 11 youth teams and 6 adult teams, including 2 veterans teams and an under 18s team.

 The club applied for funding so the additional costs would not have to be passed on to members or their families. The new mini soccer pitch will enable youth teams to have the flexibility to play when they want and increase the number of participants.

Martham FC Treasurer, David Bradford said “We’re extremely grateful for the support from Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure. The village of Martham is growing and so is our Football Club. We’re so very proud to be able to provide the facilities for our young players. Grants like this help us create new teams from the age of six each year, whilst keeping the playing fees at an affordable level for their parents. These goals will be used to create an extra pitch at the Coronation Ground, which brings our total number of pitches to an impressive seven.”

We wish Martham FC every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

 For the latest news on Martham FC, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2022.

New Crash Mats for Martial Arts Club

We are pleased to announce we’re supporting Great Yarmouth Martial Arts (GYMA) in providing safety equipment for mixed martial arts, judo, and self-defence classes.

New crash mats have been received by the community club, run by Head Coach, Peter Esposito and based at three venues in Great Yarmouth: Century Training Academy, St Paul's Church and St Mary's Church. GYMA is a not-for-profit community club, offering coaching in Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The club is dedicated to promoting physical and mental wellbeing to all abilities and ages from 5 years upwards.

Activities on offer can help improve fitness, coordination, and mental stamina; increase flexibility; aid weight loss; promote social skills and help maintain better mental health. The club is keen to encourage new members to join and is proud to be fully inclusive, including supporting women’s empowerment.

We wish GYMA every success for the future and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

For the latest news on GYMA, follow on Facebook and Instagram

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2022.