Asda Foundation supports community sport group with building grant

Asda’s charity, The Asda Foundation has announced that substantial funding has been awarded to a group in South Leeds to enable them to transform their community space at Hunslet Moor.  

Asda Community Champion Sharon Kingswood, went along to surprise Sam Gilmore the project manager at Champions Community Sport & Health CIC to let them know they had been successful and presented a cheque from the Asda Foundation for £21,225. Watch the video:

This will help to transform a former bowling pavilion into a revitalised space for their community activities. The funding is needed to carry out building repairs and development both internally and externally to create a new, usable community space for children and young people to be together, overcome adversity and thrive.

The group was set up in 2020 on a mission to make sport available to all children and young people, regardless of age, ability, or background. A large proportion of children were unable to access traditional sports clubs due to financial limitations and were becoming inactive, hungry, socially isolated, and in some cases, involved in anti-social behaviour. To address this, the group launched free turn up and play football sessions which includes breakfast and lunch. Sessions run weekly and through the school holidays to provide access to sport and food during the school break.

Through football and other activities, the group has been able to open the door to support families struggling with food provision and offers a youth development and coaching programme to give young people additional skills and qualifications.

Sam Gilmore, Project Manager at Champions Community Sport & Health CIC said:

“Thank you Asda Foundation for putting your faith in our little project and allowing us to flourish. Sport is so important to children and young people in our local community, helping to build community spirit, improving physical and mental health, creating connections and breaking down barriers. This funding will help take our support for the local community to the next level, the enhanced space will help us to provide a better-quality service and support more people from the local community, including older people.”

Sharon, Local Community Champion who supported the application said:

“The work this group does with young people through sport is inspiring and Asda Foundation funding will have a huge impact in our community. The group is helping to grow and teach the next generation that despite the obstacles they face, with hard work and perseverance, they can achieve whatever they set out to. Funding will help to transform the hut, making it safe, secure and accessible to more people long into the future.”

 Alexandra Preston, Senior Manager for Asda Foundation, says:

“Every community needs a safe inclusive space for people to be together and be themselves. Community spaces can be a lifeline, but we know many are in desperate need of funding to maintain, develop and repair these spaces to enable community groups to continue delivering their vital services and activities. That’s where Asda Foundation can help with funding. We want to continue playing our part in uniting communities and reducing loneliness by improving community spaces for people to be together.” 

This post is based on a press release issued by Asda

Main Photo: Sam Gilmore receives the cheque from Asda Community Champion Sharon Kingswood

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