Youth sports groups in Derby awarded community fund boost from University

Two local sports groups in Derby have received funding from the University of Derby Community Fund to support them in delivering projects that will benefit children in the local area.

Inspire Fitness Academy helps isolated groups in the community, particularly young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and those disengaged with physical activity due to barriers in age, disabilities and other circumstances.

The University awarded £1,000 to the Academy to contribute to the purchase of laptops for an after school homework and fitness club for young people aged 8-18, at their Sherwin Club in Normanton. The funding will also go towards rent of the building and internet costs.

Sam Godfrey, Charity Manager, said: “This is fantastic news for us and it means we can support more local children who, for whatever reason, have no access at home to a computer or the internet.

“The project will also be carried out under the supervision of University of Derby students training for teacher status, so it is giving them valuable hands on experience.”

The Community Fund has also awarded Kirk Langley Cricket Club £400 to develop its role in the local community by creating better facilities for spectators.

Based in North West Derby, the cricket club has two teams in the county cricket league and also entertains friendly fixtures. The grounds are also shared with the local football club and used for community events.

The grant has been awarded to the club for the purchase of two picnic tables, which will be sourced from renewable or recycled sources.

Thomas Clifford, Club Secretary, said: “This generous grant from the University will provide Kirk Langley with much needed seating space for the local community. We are looking to grow as a club and involve the community more. With additions such as picnic benches, we hope to encourage more to come and spectate our wonderful game.”

Rosie Marshalsay, Head of External Relations at the University of Derby, added: “Creating safe spaces in the local community, where young people can go and get involved in academic and physical activities, is important to our society.

“The University is delighted to be able to contribute towards Inspire Fitness Academy and hope the after school club is a success. We also look forward to seeing the Cricket Club develop its facilities so that more members of the community can get involved with it.”

The Community Fund is one way the University gives back to local people. Over the past three years the University has given £37,000 in grants to inspire projects that seek to benefit the community in some way.

In previous years the fund has supported various projects including sports clubs, youth groups and small charities in Derby, Buxton and Chesterfield.