Councillors have backed the expanded programme run by Hunslet Rugby Foundation (HRF) with a grant of just over £4,000.
The grant, approved at last week’s Outer South Community Committee, will support youth and seniors clubs at the Belle Isle Welcome Centre, as well as girls rugby at Leeds Corinthians in Middleton.
HRF’s weekly programme now includes 12 hours of free activities:
Wednesday morning 9am-12pm: Seniors Club at Belle Isle Welcome Centre
Wednesday evening 4-6:30pm: Youth Club at Belle Isle Welcome Centre
Thursday evening 4-6:30pm: Youth Club at Belle Isle Welcome Centre
Thursday evening 6:30-8pm: Girls Rugby sessions ages 9-14 at Leeds Corinthians
Friday evening 3:30-6pm: Youth Club at Belle Isle Welcome Centre
In a statement Cllr Wayne Dixon (SDP, Middleton Park) said:
“We are proud to support organisations such as the Hunslet Rugby Foundation (HRF), and this grant of £4,175 will help kick-start activities that benefit our local communities.
“However, we remain deeply concerned about potential future cuts by Leeds City Council to the Wellbeing and Youth Activity Fund (YAF) budgets. This is why we are encouraging organisations like HRF to develop sustainable programmes for young people, ensuring these vital opportunities do not disappear when these likely reductions take effect.
“Youth groups and activities play a crucial role in the development and wellbeing of young people. Sadly, the continuation of these services will increasingly depend on dedicated volunteers who are willing to give their time to support our children and young people.
“As council funding becomes more limited, local organisations are being forced to seek alternative funding streams. Recently, I successfully advocated for HRF to receive support for delivering girls’ rugby at Leeds Corinthians RUFC, securing £3,000 through Wades Charity with the backing of fellow trustees.
“It is fantastic to see such an outstanding organisation attracting funding to provide opportunities for young people, and we will continue to support them wherever possible.”
Belle Isle Welcome Centre is located at St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN.
Leeds Corinthians is located at Nutty Slack, off Ring Road Middleton, LS10 4AX, next to Middleton Leisure Centre and Cockcburn Laurence Calvert Academy.
For more information visit HRF’s Facebook page here or email: michaelnuttall@hunsletrugbyfoundation.co.uk
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