Oar-some opportunities for sporting kids

Over 50 grassroots sports clubs have benefited from Fibrus Play it Forward Fund, which aims to support children’s sports clubs in rural communities.

The Fund, which is now in its second year, has provided more than £20K to Cumbrian grassroot sports groups and an additional £30K to groups in Northern Ireland. Over the last two years, the Fibrus Play it Forward Fund has contributed over £100,000 to sports clubs (£40,000 in Cumbria), helping kids get outside and switch off from their devices.

The Play it Forward Fund is designed to support children and young people under the age of 18 by encouraging them to get involved with sports on a community level. It’s aim, however, is to reach beyond sports, empowering children in local communities to prioritise movement, health and wellbeing.

Talkin Tarn rowers are among the 20 Cumbrian clubs benefitting and will use their £1,000 grant to get more youngsters out on the water to have a go with the oars.

Talkin Tarn Rowing Club, which was established in 1859 and is Cumbria’s oldest rowing club, will use its grant to offer children free ‘Learn To Row’ courses.

The club’s vice-chairman, Denis Burke said: “We’re keen to continue the club’s legacy of developing local youngsters who can enjoy the sport of rowing and may be able to go on to represent us at regional and national levels.

“Rowing brings a wealth of health benefits as well as being an exciting sport for participants and spectators.

“We enjoyed the thrilling performances from the GB team at the Paris Olympics this summer. The women’s quadruple sculls, the women’s lightweight double sculls and the men’s eight all winning gold. Young people inspired by this will now be able to have a go themselves at Talkin Tarn, thanks to Fibrus.”

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said:

“We are committed to playing a role in improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people, so investing in local communities is important to us. Our Play It Forward Fund is just one way we do this.  I’m delighted to see a new batch of clubs benefitting from the Fund’s second year in Cumbria”.

Fund grants can help with a range of essential projects including buying equipment and kits, improving facilities and subsidising training fees.

To find out more, visit the Fibrus Play it Forward Fund.