Cumbrian youngsters are set to benefit from a £20,000 grassroots sports boost, thanks to Fibrus’ Play It Forward Fund, which aims to encourage more children to engage in physical activities. Carlisle Hockey Club is among 20 organisations to receive funding, securing a £1,000 grant to develop a new membership package for its mini section.

The club will use the grant to provide young players new to the club with a membership package, helping to make starting the sport fun and affordable. The initiative is part of Fibrus’ broader mission to support local communities and get more young people involved in sports.

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, commented on the initiative: “We had a fantastic response to the Fund this summer and we are excited to see how our funding drives the 53 clubs we’re supporting in Northern Ireland and Cumbria this year. Sports and clubs are at the heart of the communities where we operate, and we want to support these communities as widely as we can.”

Fibrus launched the Play It Forward Fund last year, initially setting aside £50,000 to support sports clubs in Northern Ireland and Cumbria. The fund has grown significantly, with over £100,000 allocated to date. This year alone, nearly £40,000 has been awarded to grassroots sports in Cumbria, with priority given to clubs with smaller incomes that have not previously received Fibrus’ support.

Leah Shearer, a Communications Officer, at Carlisle Hockey Club, expressed her excitement about the grant: “This grant is a fantastic opportunity for us to grow our junior section and continue nurturing young talent. By offering equipment and resources that make joining the club more affordable and fun, we aim to inspire more children to take up hockey and stay engaged. It’s about creating opportunities for young players to develop their skills and enjoy the sport in a supportive environment.”

The new membership packages are expected to reduce the cost of joining the club, provide essential equipment, and encourage more children in the Carlisle area to participate. By lowering barriers to entry, the club hopes to see increased engagement, more practice opportunities, and a stronger sense of community among young players.

This year, 65 clubs applied for the Play It Forward Fund, with 20 receiving grants. Carlisle Hockey Club is proud to be part of this initiative, which will directly benefit local children and help grow the sport at a grassroots level.