Union Thai goes from strength to strength with new kick and strike mats

We’re pleased to announce we’re further supporting Union Thai with funding for handheld kick and strike mats so they can continue to provide the best training for their students and their students can safely continue to enhance their skills.

Back in September 2022, we supported Union Thai with funding towards an MMA cage and wall mats and they have since grown from 50 members to over 100 members, offering fitness classes to all ages and abilities within the local community.

Specialising in Muay Thai and Ju Jitsu, the Mixed Martial Arts Club have competed in National, European and International competitions, achieving British, European and World Championship status. Run by Marcos Lopes Guimaraes, the club aims to help their members with both their mental and physical health, encouraging confidence and teamwork.

We wish Union Thai continued 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 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 2024.

Alfie on track for athletics competitions with new kit

We are delighted to announce we’re supporting Alfie Shallcross with new kit and equipment to enable him to attend the Lee Valley athletics competitions.

As a keen member of Great Yarmouth & District Athletics Club, 9-year old Alfie, from Bradwell, has found his passion and interest for all things ‘athletics’. Alfie has autism, with other complex disabilities and athletics has enabled him to be himself whilst gaining confidence, life skills and independence. Alfie looks to encourage other children with disabilities to take up athletics for both interest and as a means to keep fit and healthy. Alfie is determined and ambitious, with big dreams of being in the Paralympics. In representing the club at many competitions over the last year, Alfie is looking forward to competing in the rest of the indoor season and upcoming outdoor season, and mostly looking forward to competing at the National Junior Athletics Championships in Coventry this year.

Alfie’s mum, Rianne, applied to us for funding to enable Alfie to participate in athletics competitions alongside children his own age, both with and without disabilities. Alfie aims to increase his confidence in indoor competitions, which will help him boost his independence, communication and social skills. “This grant will mean Alfie is able to get all of the equipment he needs to aid his training when he is not training at the club. It will also allow for getting him fully kitted out for the competitions he is taking part in during 2024. Thank you, Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust for believing in Alfie and giving him the opportunity to achieve his dreams!”

Alfie has a special interest in the London Underground and Overground Tubes and is currently raising money for Children in Need by going to every station on the London Tube map. This is particularly challenging for Alfie as he has autism, sensory processing needs and other complex disabilities. Alfie is hoping his efforts will raise £2,024 this year. 

For Alfie’s latest news, visit his Facebook and Instagram pages and Great Yarmouth & District Athletics Club’s website.

We wish Alfie continued success for the future and look forward to seeing his 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 2024.

New kit and equipment for basketball’s James Borg

We are pleased to announce we’re supporting James Borg with kit and training equipment to enable him to represent Great Britain at the Global Championships this year.

For over 25 years, James has competed and represented basketball in the Great Yarmouth Borough at local, national, and international level and will be representing Great Britain in the European Masters’ Championships in Italy in June. Last summer, James competed in the World Cup in Argentina and at a tournament in Croatia.

Back in 2014, James helped set up Great Yarmouth Basketball Club, which is now established at East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston. Last year, James made his international debut for FIMBA GB in Malaga, Spain.

It’s important to James to be an example of how sports can help to change a person’s life, as he finds basketball helps him with his mental health, as well as his coaching career. James aims to make a significant impact to sports in the local area, allowing for growth of basketball both locally and nationally, inspiring the younger generation of players he coaches and works with to continue to pursue the sport.

For James’ latest news, visit his Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn pages.

We wish James continued success for the future and look forward to seeing his 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 2024.

Phoenix Karate squad supported with competition kit

We are delighted to announce we’re supporting the Phoenix Karate Parents Fundraising Committee with tracksuit tops for the squad to wear at national, European and international competitions.

Based in Great Yarmouth, Phoenix Karate regularly attend karate competitions, including the WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee where the team achieved four gold medals and the WUKF European Karate Championships in France where the team brought home another four gold medals.

Phoenix Karate’s aim is to continue to provide exceptional training and opportunities for its students to compete at the highest levels of karate. Competition costs such as travel, accommodation, competition fees, training camps and equipment, can be quite expensive, and these costs are entirely funded by the competitors and their families and by the fundraising committee. The fundraising committee work hard in holding regular displays at local fetes and fundraising events such as bingo nights at the village hall in Hopton. In addition, Phoenix Karate build relationships with local schools to demonstrate the availability of sports such as karate, which can encourage physical activity, improving health, fitness and wellbeing.

International competitions can be life-changing events for the students, fostering personal growth and inspiring future generations. A great example of this from one of the team’s students, seven year old Kayah, who we’ve featured this year and who has been very successful in competitions she’s attended. Her reaction to receiving our support was inspiring “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 Phoenix Karate Schools, visit Phoenix Karate Schools’ Facebook page and their website plus the Phoenix Karate fundraising Facebook page.

We wish Phoenix Karate Schools 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 2024.

Winterton Marine Cadets set sail with new buoyancy aids

We’re pleased to support Winterton Marine Cadets with buoyancy aids to enable their cadets and staff to sail on a regular basis.

Based at Caister Academy and Winterton Village Hall, the charity youth organisation provides activities and structure to young people aged 10 to 21 years of age. They currently have 21 members from the local area and, apart from the monthly subs, try to provide as much funding themselves without asking for contributions from parents or guardians.

 The charity would like to offer cadets the opportunity for ongoing development of their sailing abilities and skills by partaking in open sailing for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. The charity owns an inflatable power boat, but new buoyancy aids are needed in order to use the boat on the Broads and in the sea.

Winterton Marine Cadets are very passionate about providing all young people, particularly those from low-income families who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience sailing activities. In addition, the charity provides sailing certificates which can help young people in later life, such as when making college applications. The sailing activities can really boost young people’s confidence in their own abilities, together with confidence in working as a team when sailing the larger boats. In addition, being out in the fresh air can also help mental and physical wellbeing.

We wish Winterton Marine Cadets continued success and look forward to seeing their progress along the way.

 For the latest news on Winterton Marine Cadets, follow on Facebook and on their website.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or community organisation and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2024.

Dance and Musical Theatre Company enhances skills with new equipment

We’re delighted to further support Isabella Weller with her ongoing success in Isabella’s Dance and Musical Theatre Company.

Isabella approached us for support in April 2021 when her company was a growing start-up and it’s been great to see her progress so much in two years. Based at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, the dance and musical theatre company offers an extensive variety of classes and workshops; making regular appearances showcasing the company’s talent at local events, fetes, charity events, carnivals and shows, including Caister Carnival and Gorleston Clifftop Gala. The company also runs an annual production at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre to raise money for the theatre’s restoration fund and last year, successfully raised £8,200.

From small beginnings, having invested her own funds into her new venture, Isabella has gone from strength to strength and is now at the stage where new equipment will bring more opportunities for her students to keep fit and engaged. This includes a tumbling track, backbend training mat, stretch bands and splits stretch blocks, which will enable her students to explore and expand their learning, in safely practicing new skills to improve flexibility and strength.

Isabella’s current timetable includes ballet, tap and musical theatre classes for babies, juniors, and seniors. Isabella continues to encourage young people to be interested in the performing arts, including dancing, singing, fitness and performing. Their most recent production at Gorleston Pavilion was Drac and the Beanstalk which, according to reviews, was amazing!

In receiving the funding, Isabella said “The children will love the new equipment and be very excited to try new things during their classes.”

We wish Isabella continued success and look forward to seeing her progress along the way.

For the latest news on Isabella’s Dance and Musical Theatre Company, follow on Facebook and Instagram.

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or community organisation and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications for awarding in February 2024.

New equipment and kit for Gorleston-based Cliffside Royalettes

We are pleased to announce we’re supporting Cliffside Royalettes Baton Twirling Club with new equipment and training kit so the club can continue to train, practice and enter competitions, including the Baton Twirling European Championships.

Based in Gorleston, the twirling club is a member of the British Baton Twirling Sports Association (BBTSA) and has been part of the community for 40 years with community spirit at its heart. Its 14 members regularly train at Cliff Park High School and meet up with other baton twirlers around Norfolk.

The new equipment will enable current and new members to continue to train and compete both nationally and internationally.

Part of the junior England squad, two of their athletes have just returned from France, having competed in the European Championship, achieving an excellent 4th place. One of the atheletes (Olivia) proudly carried the England flag at the closing ceremony. An amazing experience for them all.

Next on the agenda is the Nations Cup and World Championship in Liverpool, where all four of Cliffside athletes will be taking part, as individual athletes and in England team routines.

For the latest news on Cliffside Royalettes, visit their Facebook page and the BBTSA Instagram page and website.

We wish Cliffside Royalettes continued success for the future. We 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 September 2023.

Unleash the Fun with Big Norfolk Holiday Fun Activities!

The Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activity programme offers a variety of holiday activities for children and young people aged 5-16 (or 4 if they are in school). These activities are available throughout school holidays and provide a fun way for kids to stay engaged and entertained.

Running alongside Norfolk County Council and funded by the Department of Education, the programme offers a wide range of activities, including gymnastics summer camps; Quidditch; Yoga Camp; Sports Camps; performing arts; circus skills; and much more.

Providing a fun and engaging way for children to learn new skills and make new friends, the activities are designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, including for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

So everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit from these activities, free spaces on activities can be claimed for anyone who qualifies for means-tested free school meals.

To get started, visit Every Move’s Big Norfolk Holiday Fun Activities, enter your full postcode in the search filter and find the perfect activities for your child to experience a summer they’ll never forget!

Find out how to book your child onto a Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activity by watching this video. You can also follow Every Move on Facebook and Instagram.

Mighty Kayah takes the World Karate Championships by storm

We are delighted to provide an update of Kayah Michorczyk’s success at the 11th WUKF World Karate Championships.

The championships, held in Dundee in July, are for all ages, from 31 countries and 62 federations. It saw 1826 competitors, 279 coaches and 95 referees.

Seven year old Kayah, from Gorleston, competed in the championships after only one year of competing with her club, Phoenix Karate Schools. We are happy to have helped support Kayah with funding towards kit and equipment, specially developed uniform, chest guard, head guard, shinpads, white and red mitts, and mouthguards.

At the championships, Kayah had the opportunity of attending a workshop with multi-time WKF World Champion and legend, French karateka Christophe Pinna.

The Phoenix Karate Schools Club team achieved a haul of medals, with every member performing at an outstanding level.

Kayah, amongst 15 competitors, gave an outstanding performance in KATA Girls under 8 category, performing three different Katas in 3 rounds, then a fourth round to win silver. Competing again the following day with 30 competitors in KUMITE Girls under 8 category,  Kayah won three fights and reaching the semi-final, she lost by only 1 point in the last few seconds, to take home the Bronze.

Kayah’s wish is to inspire other children to join karate and other activities in the community and has clearly evidenced her belief that children from small towns and clubs can have the same opportunities to take part in worldwide projects.

Kayah’s proud mum said “Taking Kayah to the World’s Competition was a massive project for us, but it was possible with the help of the club, squad, family, anonymous people, and Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust. We thank Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust again for your support. Without your help, it wouldn’t be possible. You made Kayah's dreams come true.”

And on driving back from Dundee, “We are exhausted but happy at the same time. Kayah made us, the club and the country proud.”

So, what’s next on Kayah’s agenda? Kayah’s now training hard to attend the XIII WUKF European Karate Championships in November, in Antibes, France.

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 European Karate 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.

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.

Twelve organisations receive funding from Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust in 2022

We’re delighted to announce that the following organisations and people have received grassroots funding to support kit and equipment for their members in 2022:

• DPA Performing Arts Academy

• Yarmouth Football Club

• Hemsby Football Club

• Broadway Bella’s

• Southtown Primary School

• Next-Gen Aerial and acrobatic arts

• Union Thai

• Under Open Sky Ltd

• Great Yarmouth Man vs Fat

• Martham Cricket Club

• Great Yarmouth Martial Arts

• Wherry Archers

These local organisations are crucial to providing alternative activities in supporting children and adults in sport and recreation, and in some instances, support work around the safety of vulnerable people. We are keen to support more in 2023.

To apply for funding, please download our form here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.