Fibrus Broadband Sports Fund suits young golfers to a tee

Penrith Golf Club Junior Academy successfully received funding from Fibrus Play it Forward in 2023 and used the funding to purchase training mats that allow juniors to practice in all weather.

The 50k Fund, available to sports clubs across Northern Ireland and Cumbria, is designed to support grassroots sports in regional and rural communities, offering up to £1,000 per club to help with equipment, kits, improving facilities and subsiding training fees.

Since the 2023 launch, around 20 organisations in Cumbria have received grants, including Penrith Golf Club Junior Academy who can now enjoy their sport in all weathers thanks to the Fund..

At Penrith Golf Club Junior Academy, around 30 golfers aged eight to 18 take part in weekly training sessions, but frequent cancellations due to bad weather will be a thing of the past thanks to a new set of range mats purchased with a grant from the Fibrus Play It Forward Fund.

The mats mean that training can take place inside and more young players will be able to take part even when the weather is below par.

Tim Dykes, Director of golf at Penrith Golf Club, said: “The six new mats mean we are now able to accommodate more juniors during periods of bad weather, particularly when training needs to take place at our driving range.

“By having the mats, we hope to offer more coaching earlier and later in the season when conditions are too wet outside.

“This has already happened in recent weeks and the junior Monday night coaching has been able to go ahead when previously it would have been cancelled. This is a hugely positive step forward, thanks to Fibrus for making this possible.”

The club has built strong links with local schools and offers free training sessions for its juniors. It also raises money to pay for junior members to encourage more children to try their hand at golf.

Look out for new of 2024 Play it Forward beneficiaries coming soon!