Each year, the Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust (GYSLT) awards grants to local clubs, groups and individuals who are making a real difference through physical activity, sport and wellbeing in the community.
In 2025, funding supported a wide range of projects from upgrading essential equipment and facilities, to improving accessibility and creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active.
Here’s a look at the organisations and individuals supported this year, and how the grants are helping activity thrive across our communities.
JGI Bowls
Funding helped JGI Bowls replace two essential bowling mats, alongside a storage roller and additional equipment. These improvements ensure sessions can continue safely and consistently, supporting regular participation and enjoyment for bowlers.
Interested in giving Short Mat Bowls a try? Joining the JGI Bowls Group couldn’t be easier! Simply drop in to the hall on a Monday afternoon at 2pm and see what it’s all about. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a complete beginner, you’ll be warmly welcomed. If you’d like more information before attending, feel free to contact the John Green Institute (JGI) hall directly at 07984 443808.
Martham Cricket Club
Martham Cricket Club received support towards refurbishing their cricket nets – a vital facility for training, skill development and junior progression, helping players prepare safely and confidently. Find out more about Martham Cricket Club here >
For the latest news on Martham Cricket Club, follow them on Instagram or on X at MarthamCC1
Gorleston Football Club
The grant awarded to Gorleston Football Club helped fund the purchase of new football goals, supporting both training and match play and ensuring sessions can continue to meet demand. Interested in giving football a try? Joining the Gorleston Typhoons, or one of their other teams, couldn’t be easier! Find out more on the Gorleston Football Club website here >
Sunbeams Play
Sunbeams Play were supported in enhancing access to tailored sporting activities, strengthening inclusive opportunities for autistic individuals and ensuring more people can benefit from structured, supportive physical activity.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore the Sunbeams Play website email them via info@sunbeamsplay.org.uk or complete the online form on the Sumbeams Play Great Yarmouth ‘contact us’ web page.
Shrublands Community Group
Funding enabled Shrublands Community Group to purchase additional resistance bands and sensory balls for their Seated Exercise class, enhancing sessions and supporting physical and sensory wellbeing for participants.
Great Yarmouth & Waveney Special Olympians
The Special Olympians received funding to replace a manual physiotherapy changing plinth, improving accessibility and comfort for wheelchair users and ensuring sessions remain safe and inclusive.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore the Great Yarmouth and Waveny Special Olympians website or email them via h.sayer1@ntlworld.com.
Phoenix Karate Schools
Phoenix Karate Schools used their grant to purchase new squad bags embroidered with the club logo, supporting team identity and helping young athletes transport equipment safely to training and competitions.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore the Phoenix Karate School website or follow them on Facebook at @PhoenixKarateSchools.
Fly High Aerial Arts
Aerial Arts were awarded funding towards the purchase of a brand-new portable aerial frame, expanding where and how sessions can be delivered and opening up new opportunities for participation.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore the Fly High Aerial Acrobatics on Facebook or TikTok here
Bread Kitchen
The Bread Kitchen received support to create a brand-new pétanque and wider games area, encouraging social activity, gentle movement and connection through accessible outdoor games.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore Bread Kitchen on Facebook or on the Bread Kitchen website here >
Paige Davies: Next Gen Aerial Arts
Funding helped support the rebuilding of a studio, enabling activity to continue in a safe, fit-for-purpose space and supporting ongoing participation.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore Next Gen Aerial Arts on Facebook
Shrublands Football Club
Shrublands Football Club received a grant to support the replacement of their nets, a key investment that helps maintain training standards and protects players.
If you would like to find out more, you can explore Shrublands Football Club on their website, on social media platform X or on the Shrublands Facebook page.
Apply for a Grant: Could This Be Your Club or Group?
These projects highlight the broad range of initiatives GYSLT grants can support – from equipment and facilities to accessibility improvements and new activity spaces.
If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or maybe run a leisure or fitness activity, and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications now.
Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >
