Game on! Fibrus amps up sports fund to help almost 50 grassroots clubs

Water sports, swimming and boxing clubs are among the beneficiaries of a new grassroots sports fund established by Fibrus. 

Fibrus had originally set aside £30k for the initiative but an additional almost £20k was added to the initial pot after applications flooded in this Spring, meaning more local communities have benefitted from funding in Northern Ireland. 

Nearly 50 grants of up to £1,000 have now been given to a range of grassroots sports, including football, Gaelic games and cricket among others across Northern Ireland and Cumbria, as Fibrus continues to roll out in these regions. 

The  ‘Play it Forward’ fund will be used to support clubs in a variety of different ways, such as purchasing new kits, subsidising training fees, purchasing new equipment or enhancing existing facilities.   

Dominic Kearns, Chief Executive of Fibrus, said the “Play it Forward” fund reflects the company’s commitment to invest in communities beyond broadband. 

“Our promise to connect communities on a local level also means encouraging children to go outside, make friends and have fun,” he said. 

“The decision to increase the fund this summer will help nearly 50 grassroots clubs to thrive and make a lasting impact in their communities, empowering young people to excel in sport, while enjoying themselves. 

After an overwhelming response from the community, we felt compelled to extend the fund to make a positive impact in the lives of kids. 

“If the ‘Play it Forward’ sports fund helps young people in local clubs to pursue their sporting passions and fulfil their potential, then it will have done its job both here in Northern Ireland and in Cumbria.” 

One of the clubs that has benefited from the sports fund is Coleraine Alumni Rowing Association. They expressed their gratitude and excitement about the grant: 

“Receiving a ‘Play it Forward’ grant from Fibrus has been a game-changer for the club and the funding has allowed us to purchase new oars for the club’s youth section. It has not only bolstered our club’s capabilities but has also strengthened the bond within our community, enabling us to continue providing opportunities for our young athletes to participate in sports and build lasting friendships,” said club chair Jamie Gibson. 

Appleby Football and Squash Club in Cumbria will be able to allow more young people to take part in their activities thanks to their grant which will pay for additional goalposts for their junior teams.  

Martin Smith, Chairman of the club, said: “Our juniors have doubled over the past few years’ and we’ve now got ten teams so this grant will provide us with the facilities and equipment to support that.” 

“We’re in a rural community so that means we have kids from the town but also from the nearby villages and that makes us a real asset to local people.”