Move your body

If you lead or are involved in a grassroots sports or activity group that needs financial help, start a Crowdfunder today. 

We’ve all experienced the pandemic in different ways. When times are uncertain, we tend to appreciate and treasure the smaller things in life. 

When the Government told us we could take ‘one form of exercise a day’ it felt like a lifeline. Whether that was a walk, run or skateboard that hour out and about became sacred. A moment to refresh, revive and reflect. And this was felt throughout the country; tracked by Sport England the public’s activity levels and attitudes towards exercise during the initial six weeks of lockdown showed a “surge in appreciation”. 63 per cent of people now consider exercise as important for their mental as their physical health.  

The NHS lists “I don’t have time” as the number one barrier to exercise. Lockdown (and Joe Wicks) has changed that for people as we find new ways to stay active. So, as we ease out of lockdown, how do we ensure this trend continues? 

Your support for local activity groups could help them receive match funding.

Many of the 120,000 small, local activity groups have been hit hard during the crisis. Subs, tea and bar sales have fallen away. 

These grassroots groups are the natural next step for many people that want to continue their active trend. Their role in the rebuild and recovery of all of our physical and mental wellbeing will be significant.

Vale of Lune Rugby Club in Lancaster is a community club providing an opportunity for anyone to learn, play and enjoy rugby. Like many sports clubs, their engagement with the community goes beyond the game. The space has provided a social heartbeat and hosted many weddings, parties and classes. COVID-19 restrictions have ripped upcoming income from the club which was due to refurb facilities. 

Since launching their Crowdfunder they’ve received a rush of community support from those who are proud to be a part of the club and passionate about its future. 

“The Vale has given my son focus since he was 7 years old. 10 years later he’s still loving the game. Hope you reach that target!”

They’ve raised over £12,000 towards a £14,000 target and are set to receive £7,000 in match funding from Sport England. Chip in and help them get to their target, here.

Disability Sports Coach are at the start of their Crowdfunder journey and have so far secured £119 towards their £2,500 target. The community group provides life-changing sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled people in London. With only 17% of disabled people playing sport once a week, this group is breaking down barriers into sport for those with disability. A very worthy cause, and one we hope you’ll support, here.

West Norfolk Swimming Club has taken to living room land training without access to pools! To support their ‘swimming family’, the club agreed to suspend members’ fees until July and from then will only charge a nominal 20% fee until training can safely resume. Their Crowdfunder is to help keep the ‘purple army’ afloat. Help the get to their £10,000 target and unlock Sport England match funding. 

Coventrians RFC, Sheffield Diving Club and Bures Dragons Archery Club have all met their Crowdfunder targets and are set to receive their Sport England match funding. 

Recover and rebuild

Amid the uncertainty, anxiety and stress of this global pandemic, exercise is a fantastic coping mechanism that can help keep our body resilient and keep us mentally strong. 

Supporting local sporting and activity groups to survive the crisis will play a big role in keeping people active and maintaining new levels of enthusiasm. 

Thank you to Sport England for providing the ongoing match funding. 

If you lead or are involved in a grassroots sports or activity group that needs financial help, start a Crowdfunder today.