Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £32,500 of match funding
Drumsurn GAC Health & Wellbeing Hub Equipment
Limavady, Causeway Coast and Glens, United Kingdom
Aim
To purchase new, modern equipment to furnish our new health and wellbeing hub so we can provide new services to everyone in the community.
Who are we?
St. Matthew's GAC Drumsurn was founded in 1927. Our aims and objectives centre around supporting player development and well-being, fostering physical activity, and promoting community engagement. We aim to:
- Promote Health and Fitness: Encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles among members and the community.
- Foster Participation in Sports: Provide opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in sports and recreational activities.
We run a community hub for all ages to engage in sport, leisure, arts and fun for all. We have two grass pitches, one large, one small, and a community hall and kitchen which are used seven days a week to provide football, hurling, camogie, basketball, ladies and men's fitness classes, ladies and men's gym classes, underage strength and conditioning, walking groups, Zumba, adult jive classes, Pilates, Yoga, Irish dancing, indoor soccer, bowls, Irish language classes, drama, community plays, traditional music class, writing club, local history events, couch to 5 K, over 60s fitness classes. It is also used by our local primary school for their weekly PE lessons and after school clubs due to lack of hall space, and during inclement weather. Alongside all the sport and recreation and the arts, we also run charity events, mental health and well-being initiatives, the Big Bus (health checks), social fundraising events, tea/coffee mornings, arts & crafts fairs, etc to encourage everyone in our community to connect with their friends and neighbours and to reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness in this very rural setting.
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Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to raise money for new equipment in our Health and Wellbeing Hub – a space that supports people of all ages and abilities to engage in sport and to live healthier, more active lives.
With your support, we plan to purchase:
-Treadmills – to improve fitness, stamina, and cardiovascular health.
-BikeErgs, RowErgs and Rowing Machines – versatile equipment suitable for beginners and experienced users, offering full-body, low-impact workouts.
-Weights, racks, barbells, plates etc, a dual pulley machine and other specialist machines – to build strength, improve mobility, aid rehabilitation for all our playing members and to also support non playing members, older users and those with health conditions to stay fit and healthy.
This new equipment will ensure that the Hub is inclusive and accessible, helping:
-Young people build confidence and resilience through exercise.
-Older residents stay active, mobile, and independent.
-Individuals recovering from illness or sports injury regain strength and mobility.
-The whole community enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment for health and wellbeing.
By contributing to this crowdfunding campaign, you’ll be investing in a facility that doesn’t just provide equipment – it creates opportunities for better health, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Drumsurn.
If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section
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How we’ll spend the money raised
Budget breakdown:
Budget Item No. 1: 3 Bay half rack / 8 barbells / rubber hexagonal dumbbell set and rack /bumper plate set
Description: To deliver the essential resistance training programme we need:
-3 bay half racks to include storage pegs, pull up bars, heavy duty hooks, custom nameplate totalling £4500
-8 new 20kg barbells at £225 per item totalling £1800
-2x rubber hexagonal dumbbell set at £1800 per pack totalling £3600
-8x 100kg bumper plate set at £310 each totalling £2480
-2 three-tier dumbbell rack at £400 each totalling £800
Cost: £13,180
Budget Item No. 2: Rubber speckled gym tiles
Description: 220 gym tiles @ £35 each for the delivery of our community programmes
Cost: £7700
Budget Item No. 3: Concept 2 BikeErgs & 2 RowErgs
Description:
-2 BikeErgs at £1350 each totalling £2700 to allow pairs to work together
-2 RowErgs at £1350 each totalling £2700 to allow pairs to work together
Cost: £5400
Budget Item No. 4: 2 Treadmills
Description: Two new treadmills at £2750 each totalling £5500 situated at the corner windows to facilitate indoor running programmes
Cost: £5500
Budget Item No. 5: Adjustable Weight Benches
Description: 8 benches @£300 to be used at various stations throughout the gym for multiple use
Cost: £2400
Budget Item No. 6: Dual adjustable Pulley
Description: To deliver the essential strength & conditioning training programme we need:
-a dual adjustable pulley training machine at £1800
-a lateral pulldown/low row combo machine at £2500
-a 45 degree leg press-plate loaded at £2250
-a leg extension machine at £936.67
Cost: £7486.67
TOTAL AMOUNT including VAT
£50,000
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Community impact
The new Health and Wellbeing Hub is designed to be a community space for everyone, not just those taking part in sport or exercise. Its impact will reach across age groups, interests, and needs, making it a vital resource for the people of Drumsurn and the wider area. Beneficiaries will include:
1.Young people – A safe, welcoming space to take part in sport, clubs, and positive activities that build confidence, friendships, and healthy habits.
2.Older residents – Opportunities to stay active, connect socially, and combat isolation through classes, coffee mornings, and community events.
3.Families – A family-friendly environment that encourages healthier living, provides shared activities, and reduces barriers to participation.
4.Community groups & clubs – Local organisations can use the hub for meetings, events, and activities, ensuring the space benefits more than just sports users eg bowling club, Irish dancing club, yoga group, primary school after-school clubs, etc
5.The whole community – by hosting events, workshops, health clinics, and cultural activities, the hub acts as a central gathering place that strengthens community spirit.
It will have a wider impact through:
1.Improved health and wellbeing – Encouraging active lifestyles, healthy hydration (through initiatives like Plastic Smart Drumsurn/GAA Healthy Clubs/Green Club), and better mental wellbeing.
2.Social inclusion – Providing a neutral, accessible space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, reducing loneliness and isolation.
3.Environmental sustainability – Projects like the water fountain and recycling initiatives set an example for positive, sustainable community change.
4.Local pride and resilience – having a modern, shared hub helps attract visitors, boosts community confidence, and gives residents a sense of ownership and belonging.
The Health and Wellbeing Hub is more than just a sports facility – it is a multi-purpose, inclusive centre that promotes healthier lifestyles, stronger connections, and a more sustainable future for everyone in the community.
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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!
This project successfully funded on 6th December 2025