Shrublands FC receive grant to help purchase essential equipment

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. WHILE YOU AND YOUR TEAMS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MEET IN PERSON, PLEASE #STAYHOMESTAYACTIVE. 

We are delighted to be able to support Shrublands FC, which has endured some terrible hardships since 2019. The growing, non-profit community club has been successfully running since 1988, and currently has approximately 180 children and adults at the club. 

“We offer a safe and fun environment for all our adults and children while teaching them how to play football and socialise and bond within the community.”

Back in 2019, their clubhouse was set alight as a result of arson where they lost hundreds of pounds in equipment and kits. Then in 2020 with Covid, they have suffered with a loss of income from frozen sub payments and missed out on hosting two tournaments which resulted in a big loss to the club. These events help support improvements and upgrades to worn out equipment and help towards replacing team kits for the coming season.

Fortunately, they are now at stage three with the local council and other funding bodies on the rebuild of the clubhouse. However, they’ve have been unable to replace all the equipment lost due to damage. They are in need of equipment to help with the upkeep of the pitches and make improvements to the grounds, which will benefit not just their members but also the local community.

The field is open to members of the public 24/7 and they would like to be able to maintain the pitches regularly to benefit the whole community - with our grant going towards the purchase of a tractor.

“We are a small club compared to most around the area, however, we are continually growing through advertising on social media and word of mouth. The tractor would help us immensely, as at the moment we are relying on the council or borrowing equipment to maintain our ground and pitches regularly. The field is not just for members of Shrublands Football Club, it is for members of the public and community too.” Emily Wright, Committee Member.

You can follow their progress here: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sports team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2021.

Broadway Bella’s receive funding to support new theatre business

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. WHILE YOU AND YOUR TEAMS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MEET IN PERSON, PLEASE #STAYHOMESTAYACTIVE. 

Broadland Bella’s performing

We’re delighted to announce we’ve supported Broadway Bella’s, a new theatre school based around singing and dance. In their first week, they attracted over thirty members and a waiting list almost immediately. The group rehearses at Gorleston Pavilion and Scratby Parish Hall. 

Broadland Bella’s Founders

The grant will go towards new uniforms and new equipment. Hardware is needed to support the running of classes, and music to be able to provide a smoother and more professional experience to the students. This will also encourage more people to sign up to Broadway Bella’s, as well bring more recognition for the SEN class. 

Gabriella Harvey-Mobbs, Co-Founder said: "We’ve been so overwhelmed with the response to Broadway Bella’s, and this funding is going to help us to teach these children to the best of our ability. We’ve funded this company between us from day one. This additional funding from the Trust will allow us to get proper technology such as speakers to allow these children and their parents to have the best experience possible. We already support some children with learning difficulties and this money will make it so much easier for us to buy supplies to make their experience as positive as is possible. Thank you so much!" 

You can follow their progress Facebook and Instagram, and we wish them all the best.

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 2021.

Essential winter maintenance funding awarded to Caister Cricket Club

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. WHILE YOU AND YOUR TEAMS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MEET IN PERSON, PLEASE #STAYHOMESTAYACTIVE. 

A hard-working cricket club with 30 plus members is the latest recipient of our grant scheme.

"We are a friendly, sociable and inclusive cricket club. We currently have two teams, one Saturday side and one Sunday side. We also run the ECB All Stars Program with a view to starting a youth system, starting with an under nine softball side”

The roof before being redone

The grant is to help cover repairs to the equipment container roof which is leaking due to corrosion. This will help protect and maintain all of the club’s equipment, including groundwork equipment such as mowers, scarifier, line marking equipment, stumps, flags and rakes, as well as clothing, helmets, pads, gloves and training gear.

By fitting a new roof, essential equipment will be maintained for the next 10+ years. Furthermore, being able to store and maintain equipment in a dry environment, cricket can be played in the village for both youth and adults alike in terms of training, coaching and matches, for years to come.

Like so many, this year has been the most difficult to date for the club. They have worked hard for what they have, and while income has dropped considerably, along with their ability to raise funds through events such as quiz evenings and sponsorship, the last thing they need is to have to replace all of the training, match and ground working equipment due to water damage. 

“As you can see from the before and after photos, the container roof repair has been a great success. it's a vast improvement. Without the support from the Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust, we would not have been able to carry out this work in this difficult and unprecedented time. This project enables us to protect and maintain the extensive equipment required to run a cricket club. It is the hope that when this returns to normal, the people of Caister and beyond will be able to come and join us in what we believe to be the world's greatest sport. Thanks again for your help and support.” Michael Church, Club Captain, Child Welfare Officer and Coach. 

You can follow their progress here and on Facebook and Twitter. 

If you are part of an amazing sports team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2021.

The roof following a makeover