A local fitness charity has said it is "proud" to have helped 26 different clubs across Cheshire with funding.

The Everybody Foundation recently relaunched with a focus on giving clubs in Cheshire East the opportunity to apply for grants on behalf of young people it knows will benefit and to keep them playing the sport they love.

Kerry Shea, director of health & communities at Everybody Health and Leisure said: "When we started to hear reports of local sport clubs seeing a drop-off in numbers of young people attending sessions, we knew this was where the Everybody Foundation comes in.

"Having provided multiple grants to local clubs over the last few months, we have started to see how this support has had a beneficial impact to the club and young people involved."

The Everybody Foundation has been able to give out £6,400 in grants to 26 different local clubs in Cheshire and has heard from a selected few to see what it means and how it has helped keep young people playing sport.

LS Gymnastics Academy in Crewe was awarded £250 in grant support.

Owner Candy Lakin, explained: "The grant has enabled a whole team to purchase a new regulation uniform for the British finals.

"Uniform changes can have a big impact on families with changes to codes adding £150 to family costings.

"The knock-on effect of supporting one team will hopefully allow us to support other teams who will require a change of uniform as we have over 200 competitive gymnasts at different levels.

"Offering support at this time allows us to focus our funds into our SEN programmes and community links which is a high priority on this amazing community led club."

Everybody Foundation Trustee Kimiyo Rickett presenting Andrew Miller and AFC Alsager their grant from the Everybody Foundation (image supplied)

Candy continued: "Without the support from the Everybody Foundation grants we would not be in a position to inform you of the great success that LSGCA has achieved this year.

"The grants have supported many of our athletes to train in centres as an additional physical support to their base training. Many of our top GB athletes earn nothing from their success at Europeans and struggle to maintain the everyday needs to maintain physical fitness alongside their training programs.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing the talented athlete programme alongside the Grant award as this should not go unnoticed."

Everybody Health & Leisure said it recognises the importance of supporting local talented athletes enabling them to pursue sporting excellence.

The Talented Athlete Support Scheme is a discounted membership that allows local athletes in Cheshire to use local leisure facilities and get expert advice and support to achieve their sporting goals.

AFC Alsager was awarded £250 by the Everybody Foundation.

Andy Miller, chairman shared: "For a volunteer club like AFC Alsager, a donation like this means we can continue encouraging the young people and adults of Alsager to play football in their community.

"Football is essential for the mental and physical health of our members and we are proud to be part of the Alsager community.

"This donation will fund the equipment we need to keep playing on!"

If you would like to find out more about the Everybody Foundation and how you can apply for a grant or to fundraise please visit the website or email [email protected]

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