YOUNG footballers in Rugby are looking the part and staying warm during training sessions thanks to a ‘massive boost’ from a community funding scheme.
Hillmorton Football Club’s under 11s Colts are among a group of local charities and community organisations to receive a share of over £5,000 in the latest round of the Heart of England Co-op’s Helping Hearts Award Scheme.
The Colts netted one of the largest awards of £500 to kit out the entire squad with branded navy-blue tracksuit tops and gloves, matching the individual numbers on the players’ shirts.
Team manager Scott McDonald also received a new raincoat in the club’s colours, thanks to the sponsorship.
He said: “The cash award has come as a massive boost to us.
“We were only expecting a small donation, so to get £500 was fantastic. We’re a new team and many of the lads had never played football before. They really look the part in their new tops.
“It’s also been freezing at training sessions lately and they were very happy to have them on. The substitutes at the games also wear them on the bench. We’re so grateful.”
The Colts are part of a club with a rich history. Hillmorton FC was founded in 1969 by a group of parents who decided to organise an informal game of football. The enthusiasm of the youngsters on that day prompted the group to enter two junior teams in the Rugby and District Junior League, which was founded in the same year.
Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and now boasts 28 separate sides, from children aged under six to full senior teams.
Hundreds of youngsters have come up through the ranks over the past 54 years and many cups and trophies have been won. However, the philosophy has remained unchanged.
“It’s far more about the love of the game rather than winning every match,” said Scott. “A lot of it is about character building.”
More than 30 community organisations have benefited from the latest Heart of England Co-op handouts including the Rugby Borough Jaguars under nines team. The youngsters have been provided with new winter coats after being awarded £600. And Southam St James C of E Academy was gifted £500 to help build an outdoor eco shelter.
Among the other recipients in the Rugby area are the Buddy Bag Foundation, Friends of New Bilton, Rugby Round Table, Crick Scarecrow Festival Committee, Henry Hinde Junior School PTA, Rugby Veterans Group, St Marie’s Parish, Teams4U Charity Stretton on Dunsmore, Brownsover and Christ Church Community Association, Rugby foster care, and Southam and District Lions.
Catherine Evans, Heart of England Co-op’s community and membership adviser, said the Helping Hearts scheme has raised more than £1.15m for charities and worthy causes since its launch in 2000.
She said: “We donate a minimum of £50,000 each year to deserving community causes. We would like to hear from any local charities or community organisations in need of support.”
To apply for a Helping Hearts grant, email [email protected] with details about a group and how the money would be used.
