Multiple grassroot sport clubs and teams across the region have been awarded special grants thanks to a joint grant competition between Liverpool ONE and The Guide Liverpool.
The initiative launched during Summer of Sport at Liverpool ONE, when the world focused their attention on sports at the highest level, coincided with Chavasse Park turning into an official Team GB and Paralympics GB Fan Zone
As part of the competition, grassroots sports clubs across the region had the chance to apply for funding, with a total of six groups being awarded £500 each to support with items such as kit and equipment, for example.
The winning teams and sport clubs awarded with grants are:
· Anselmians RUFC U10s, rugby club from Birkenhead
· Huyton Swimming Club
· LIPA Primary Girls FC, football team from Liverpool
· Mossley Hill Girls U9, football team from Liverpool
· Sefton Park Cricket Club – Women and Girls Section from Liverpool
· Tigers Cheerleading from Maghull
Among the winners is Sefton-based Tigers Cheerleading Club, who lost all their equipment in a fire at their Aintree venue in May 2023.
Over the past 18 months, the team have made do with borrowed equipment for their classes, and plan to use their sports grant to buy air mats, rollers, and other equipment so the team can practise for their upcoming competitions.
“The fire at our venue in Aintree was devastating. We lost everything, including all our equipment.
“We have now rebuilt our squad, made up of 50 girls aged four to 16, and look forward to using the grant to buy exciting new equipment for our fabulous teams!”
Jess Macguire, Coach at Tigers Cheerleading Club
Also planning to use their grant to purchase new equipment is LIPA Primary Girls FC Football Team, which was set up 12 months ago, inspired by the Lionesses winning the World Cup.
Plus, Wirral-based Anselmians RUFC U10s, Sefton Park Cricket Club, and Mossley Hill U9 Girls Football Team are looking forward to investing in new kits for their teams.
Huyton Swimming Club plan to invest in essential training for volunteers, to ensure the longevity of the club, which has been running for more than 40 years.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support our local community, and the grassroots sports clubs within it.
“We were pleased with the overwhelming response to this competition from clubs and teams. A huge congratulations to our winners, who demonstrate the wonderful array of young talent across the region and thank you to all who entered.
“We have heard some truly incredible stories of sporting organisations of all sizes and we’re incredibly proud to collaborate with The Guide Liverpool and be able to award our six winners with grants that they can use to help fund their future and hone new talent.”
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE
“All of the brilliant clubs and teams that entered this competition have further proven just how many rising sports stars are right here in Liverpool!
“We at The Guide Liverpool are so happy to have been able to join forces with Liverpool ONE to recognise and support them with this competition.”
Jay Hynd, Director and Presenter at The Guide Liverpool