A Youth Club that provides activities for hundreds of youngsters in Leeds has been able to expand its gymnastics classes with help from Leeds Federated Housing Association.
The Hunslet Club was awarded £2,000 to employ an extra gymnastics instructor from Leeds Fed’s Resident Amenity Fund (RAF), which supports local events, activities, clubs and projects.
The club noticed an increase in demand for its gymnastics classes after the success of the 2012 London Olympics.
Hunslet Club Fundraising Officer Jason Slack said:
“Meeting the demand for this activity over the last year has been a real challenge. We believe that children and young people deserve the very best and we really needed to be able to deliver that.
“Funding like this means we can expand what we do and make sure we continue to engage and support as many young people in the area as possible to get active, try something new and boost their skills.”
All smiles! Young member taking part in the Hunslet Club’s gymnastics classes
The club runs a number of gymnastics classes for all ages from tots to beginners, intermediates and advanced, and newcomers are always welcome.
It also offers a large choice of other sports and activities including football, rugby, boxing, performing arts, cheerleading and breakdancing, as well as running vocational training courses to help young people gain skills for a career.
Around 2,500 children pass through its doors throughout the year, making it one of the largest youth clubs in the country. The club was awarded the prestigious Community Club of the Year Award at the Leeds Sports Awards this year in recognition of its work.
The RAF is available to groups or individuals, who can apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to support their projects.
Applicants do not have to be Leeds Fed residents, as long as they can show that the project or initiative will benefit the housing association’s tenants and the communities in which they live.
“The RAF is here to support inspirational projects and organisations such as this that provide extra value to communities. It is wonderful to hear how it has helped the Hunslet Club and the many young people who will benefit as a result.”
It is the fourth year Leeds Fed, which owns and manages 4,000 homes across Leeds, Wakefield and Harrogate, has opened up the Resident Amenity Fund, so far giving out more than £25,000 to local groups and organisations.
The 2013/14 pot still has £12,000 available – for more information or to apply contact Joanne Gardner on 0113 386 1030, email joanne.gardner@lfha.co.uk or call into the Leeds Fed reception.
For more information about gymnastics and other activities at the Hunslet Club go to www.hunsletclub.org.uk
