October 16th, 2024
The new Skipton Community Sports Hub has benefited from Skipton Business Finance’s nationwide, Communities Matter scheme.
The scheme, which was launched by the nationwide working capital solutions provider in 2023, offers small grants starting at £250 for local community projects and good causes across the UK and is open for applications to all not-for-profit organisations. The Skipton Community Sports Hub will receive £1,000 in two separate payments, which will be used to supplement funds as the £1million project nears completion.
Malcolm Birks chairman of the Skipton Community Sports Hub, said: “The development of the Hub has been a labour of love for a number of years and has been made possible by support from people and organisations from all walks of life – from sports governing bodies to the local council and house builders; local businesses to the sheer generosity of local people digging deep at a time when money has been tight.”
“To be so close to nearing completion is a remarkable achievement for the town and those involved in the project and this grant from Skipton Business Finance’s Communities Matter scheme comes at a great time as it means we have some much-needed additional funds to put into a few of the finishing touches.”
The Skipton Community Sports Hub is a partnership formed between Skipton Juniors FC and Skipton Cricket Club; with its focal point being the stunning 3,500 sq. ft. building featuring function room, bar, commercial kitchens and changing rooms at Sandylands. When complete and open it’ll be home to the cricket club, junior football club and Skipton Ladies AFC, as well as being open for community use – both as a bar and for venue hire.
It's anticipated that it will support the sporting activities of around 650 children and young people from the local area.
Sophie Brown, media and communications manager at Skipton Business Finance, who oversees the scheme, said: “It is really important to us that we are supporting groups who are making a difference in their local communities. The scheme was developed to give community groups and projects around the UK the chance to receive a small grant to support their vision, fund immediate needs, and continue making an impact to their community.”
“In the case of the Skipton Community Sports Hub, it’s lovely to provide support to an organisation in our home town, which is doing so much to promote and deliver grassroots and junior sport in Skipton and its surrounding areas.”
To date, Communities Matter has provided grants worth £13,750 to 46 organisations.
ENDS
For more information on this story, please contact Sophie Brown at sbrown@skiptonbf.co.uk.