Always on
This project successfully funded on 14th April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Back the Barbarians
Carrickfergus, Mid and East Antrim, United Kingdom
Aim
We need a new wrestling mat cover and improved conditioning equipment to keep training safe, effective and accessible for all our members.
Who are we?
Welcome to Barbarians Wrestling Club, based in Carrickfergus! We’re a friendly, inclusive club with over 30 members, offering wrestling and conditioning sessions for men, women, and children. Open seven days a week, our experienced coaches focus on developing technique, strength, fitness, and confidence in a supportive environment. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced wrestler, our club is a place to stay active, have fun, and be part of a strong, welcoming community.
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Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to replace our worn wrestling mat cover and purchase new conditioning equipment. This upgrade is essential to keep our training safe, hygienic, and effective for over 30 members.
It will also allow us to expand classes, including dedicated conditioning sessions, supporting health, fitness, and community participation. By improving our facilities and equipment, we ensure that all members can train safely and inclusively, aligning with local health and wellbeing priorities.
This project meets funding criteria by enhancing accessibility, promoting physical activity, and replacing outdated or unsafe equipment, directly benefiting the club and the wider Carrickfergus community.
How we’ll spend the money raised?
We plan to use the funds raised to improve safety and training quality at Barbarians Wrestling Club. The money will go towards replacing our worn wrestling mat cover to ensure a safe, hygienic surface for all members, and purchasing key conditioning equipment package. This investment, totalling £3,000, will allow us to expand our weekly sessions, run additional conditioning classes, and provide safe, high-quality equipment for over 30 members, including men, women, and children. Every donation directly supports better training, improved fitness, and increased community participation.
Community impact
Barbarians Wrestling Club has a positive impact across the whole Carrickfergus community. Our inclusive sessions benefit over 30 members of all ages and abilities, promoting physical activity, confidence, and teamwork. Beyond wrestling, our facility supports general fitness, conditioning classes, and community events, providing a safe, welcoming space for people to be active, socialise, and improve wellbeing. By offering structured activities for men, women, and children, we help reduce barriers to participation in sport, encourage healthy lifestyles, and foster stronger community connections. The club also creates opportunities for volunteers and coaches to develop skills while contributing to local health and social initiatives, making it a hub for both sport and wider community engagement.
How the Campaign Works
Our project is proudly supported by the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund, a £1 million investment programme created to build a lasting legacy from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The fund helps local clubs and community organisations across Northern Ireland improve sports facilities and inspire more people to get active.
Through our Crowdfunder campaign, Sport NI will match a portion of any money we raise, meaning your support goes even further to help the community of Islandmagee. If through our community crowdfunding we can raise £7,350 the Sport NI Legacy Fund will match this with £13,650 to allow this project to become a reality. Together, we can build a stronger club with better facilities and a brighter future for our players and community, leaving a long lasting legacy.
How you can play your part!
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Thank you for #BackingtheBarbarians
Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £2,311 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made