What are we trying to achieve?

Cartmel Priory School's current courts are old and dilapidated - the fence is tired and broken. We want to replace the courts with a brand new modern multi sport court that is accessible to all. The residents and sports clubs of Cartmel and surrounding villages are disadvantaged by their rurality and there is a lack of sports facilities locally. The new courts will provide students, local clubs and the community a much needed space to meet and play sport.

Current Courts - Above

So far we have raised over 90% of the funds required to build this facility and are now choosing crowdfunding to finish Phase 1. The courts will include a new porous macadam surface which will be able to be used in all weather, a rebound fence which is much stronger and higher than our current fence and football goals. This facility will allow the play of numerous sports such as tennis,  basketball, netball and football. Our planned Phase 2 will include Floodlights and improvements to the cricket practice nets.

One of our supporters, Emily Turnbull of Evolve Fitness has offered to train a small team to complete the Race the Tide 10k Obstacle course at Muncaster Castle. Emily is an ex-student of Cartmel Priory School and is thrilled at the opportunity to raise funds for this exciting project and the team will be giving crowdfunding a go for the first time.

The Evolve Fitness Team: L-R: Danielle, Anna, Emily and Sarah - Above

Mrs Scott, Science Teacher - Above

Mrs Scott a teacher at Cartmel is joining the team and is keen to get started "I cannot wait to take on the challenge and support this fundraiser".

Race the Tide event photo - Above

Who are we?

Cartmel Priory School is a small rural secondary school. We are very proud of our school and for the experiences we are able to offer students. We believe strongly that education is about supporting students in a holistic way to develop the wisdom, knowledge and skills to be ready for their adult life. The school is a critical part of the community of Cartmel. 

We have a strong focus on sport and despite being a small school prior to Covid we still managed to run 10 different after/before school clubs (Running, Badminton, Orienteering, Hockey, Tennis, Netball, Athletics, Rugby, Trampoline and Fitness Club). This is 200 extracurricular sport sessions open to all, with around 15 to 20 participants from 11 to 16.

Community impact

As a school we have strong links with our local community. We would like to further strengthen that bond by improving our Multi Sports Court and inviting the community to share this facility. Our facilities have always been available for use by the community but we hope that new clubs and organisations will be attracted by the shiny new courts.

Photo: AGE UK - Walking Football

Numerous sports clubs currently use our facilities including Allithwaite Netball Club, Cartmel AFC, Grange JFC, Cartmel Valley Baseball and AGE UK Walking Football and we are hoping to attract more. Allithwaite Netball club currently use our facilities for training, they are excited about the new courts and in particular the floodlights planned in phase 2 "floodlights would be great, we could train during the evening" - Elaine Dodwell.

Prior to the pandemic Age UK used the space for walking football - they are looking to returning to play very soon. The new goals and surface will enhance their play.

Photo - Cartmel Valley Baseball

This new facility would provide a safe place for people in our community to meet and play sport together. There are mental and physical health benefits of playing sport. It is reported by Active Cumbria that 34.3% of children in Cumbria are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. Further to this 46.2% of children in Cumbria are not taking part in 30 minutes of daily exercise out side of the school day.

This project is very much a community project, the students and residents of Cartmel already having raised the majority of the funds towards the courts.

How our Project will be United by Birmingham 2022

The courts will be accessible to all and will celebrate the Commonwealth games. Poor public transport makes reaching the facilities in towns nearby difficult and costly therefore having a place people from across the villages can come together to play tennis will be a fabulous legacy for this spectacular sporting event in Birmingham.

Local people will have the opportunity to participate in a healthy activity choice for free in their leisure time. Our courts may even be the place that new competitors are first introduced to a sport they will go on to represent GB in a future Commonweath Games.

Our School hosted the Peninsula Games 2022 in celebration of the Commonweath Games and the United by Birmingham Programme. The students of the school acted as games makers for the day supporting primary age children from local schools in the area. It was a fantastic event and was enjoyed by everyone. We even had guest appearances from former Paralympian Bethany Lishman and former Olympian Gymnast Craig Heap. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

So far we have raised over 90% of the funds required to build this facility and are now choosing crowdfunding to finish Phase 1. We desperately want to replace our old courts with a brand new modern multi sport court. We have set a target of £10k which would mean that the courts can be completed this summer.

Emily Turnbull, Danielle Lambeth, Anna Denby, Sarah Taylor and Mrs Scott (from school) are taking on the challenge of Race the Tide at Muncaster Castle. This is a 10k obstacle race where participants can expect to get very wet and muddy! Please support them by giving what you can :) 

Click the Link to see the Race the Tide Promotional Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=504000830959634 

How we’ll spend the money raised

We are extremely close to hitting our target - we are hoping to start building the courts during the Summer Holidays ! Your money will go directly to this project and will help us replace our existing courts which are no longer fit for purpose with a brand new modern facility. 

The work will include, drilling the existing surface to create better drainage before laying a new new porous macadam surface which will be able to be used in all weather. Our old fence will be replaces with a much sturdier modern 3m high rebound fence which will include built in football goals. Work will be carried out around the courts to create better drainage to prevent water flooding the surface in wetter weather. Once the court is laid and the fence is erected the courts will be painted with a specialist non-slip paint and marked with 4 tennis courts, 4 netball courts, 3 basketball courts and 1 football pitch. The path leading to the courts will also be replaced with a new macadam surface which will make the courts more accessible to all. 

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. Create a fundraiser of your own. Use the button on our page to get started. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!