9 July 2010

Northampton’s budding sports stars are being given a helping hand from West Northamptonshire Development Corporation’s Stronger Communities Fund.

The fund, which is managed by the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, awards funding to not-for-profit and voluntary groups across Northampton, Daventry and Towcester. In the latest funding round it awarded almost £115,000 to local groups in the area, including £10,000 to the Northampton and Rugby Athletics Club and £4,100 to the Northampton Junior Rugby League Football Club.

Based at the Sixfields Community Stadium, the Athletics Club caters for a wide range of members, covering all ages and abilities. They are using the funding to upgrade their facilities, particularly for field events, including the long jump, high jump and shot put areas of the stadium.

Tricia Garner, Vice Chair from the club said: “Our facilities are in a bad state of repair and the Stronger Communities Funding will help us to make some much needed improvements, as we want to be able to coach all disciplines at the stadium. Our aim is to host athletic competitions and improve our links with the local schools and the community, once the facilities have been brought up to UK Athletic standard.

“The club has a strong record of success in both senior and veteran competitions and our recent achievements over the last 3 years has extended to the younger age groups, such that we are one of the of the top 3 clubs within the Midland region. We are a very friendly club and always welcome new members.” The fast growing Northampton Junior Rugby League Football Club is using its funding to support 3 new teams including a second under 14s team, a second under 16s team and a girls under 12s team.

Andrew Quirke from the club said: “Since being established about 3 years ago, the club has gone from strength to strength and we have lots of new members. Thanks to the Stronger Communities Fund we are starting up 3 new teams, including our first ever girls team, who will compete in a new female league we are setting up with other clubs across the midlands.”

Peter Mawson, Chief Executive at WNDC said: “Local sports clubs play an important role in the lives of so many local people, young and old. We’re delighted to support yet more good causes through our Stronger Communities Fund, which has provided nearly £800,000 to local groups across Northampton, Daventry and Towcester since 2008.”

Victoria Miles, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation said: “We recognize the valuable contribution that the WNDC Stronger Communities fund continues to make. And our local community groups never cease to amaze us with the constant innovation and inspiration that they generate to make the most of this fund to help support sporting achievement and the enjoyment it brings for so many people.”

Related posts:

1. Community Funding Boundaries Extended
2. Thousands of pounds of community funding granted by WNDC
3. Thousands of pounds for community funds
4. WNDC cash boost for Daventry
5. Thousands of pounds for community funding granted