13 November 2015

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Following another successful local sports initiative, East Grinstead Sports Council is pleased to announce the conclusion of their latest funding programme for the sports community.  Schools and Sports Clubs associated with the Sports Council have been given assistance over the last 18 months to identify and secure funds to assist them with the running of new sports activities and programmes. In all over £150,000 has been raised with 15 organisations benefitting from the initiative.

Successful projects included one for Dunnings Squash and Racketball Club for the introduction of coaches to help with the junior development programme.  Estcots School created a programme for healthy eating and Sackville School are using their funding to develop a cycling programme aimed at fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Initial grants to allow the scheme to start were provided by East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.  Bob Shelley, Chair of the Sports Council said “without the initial support of the Councils and some other benefactors, we would not have been able to start this initiative.  We are delighted with the amount raised, which has gone directly to the Schools and Sports Clubs in the town.  We are considering running the initiative again as we feel there are still many organisations who were not able to benefit this time round.”

Steve Hill, the Sports Development officer at Imberhorne School who has been instrumental in delivering the initiative and has worked on many of the projects with the local schools, commented “this has been a fantastic project for the town, I am delighted so many children and clubs have been involved and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.  I am very grateful to the Head at Imberhorne School and the East Grinstead Group of Primary Schools (EGGS) who have endorsed the project and given me the support to assist the community”.

Bob Shelley added “with the future in mind we would be pleased to hear from any organisation that didn’t benefit this time round or who would like to become involved with the Sports Council.  Any sports club or activity based organisation is welcome to come along, as well as any businesses who provide physical activity in or out of the workplace for their employees.

Some of the clubs and schools who benefitted from the initiative include:

• Dunnings Squash & Racketball Club
• CD Phoenix Netball Club
• East Grinstead Sports Club (charity)
• Southdown Netball Club
• EG Cricket Club
• EG Meads Football Club
• EG Triathlon Club
• EG Town Football Club
• EG Tennis Squash & Racketball Club
• Sackville School
• Blackwell Primary School
• West Hoathly CE Primary
• Estcots Primary School

East Grinstead Sports Council is run by the Sports Clubs in East Grinstead and the surrounding area with free membership available to all.  It has been operating for over 10 years and meets quarterly with the objective of sharing best practice and considering how best to assist clubs with their growth, sustainability and community involvement.  A principal emphasis is on finding links between the primary and secondary schools, coaches and clubs to broaden opportunities for young people.

For further details about the project or the Sports Council please contact Bob Shelley on 07738 513721 or bobshelley@btinternet.com