Sport Newcastle was created from the former Newcastle upon Tyne Sports Council and offers funding and support to men, women and children seeking to realise their sporting dream. It has been offering that help for fifty years.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an Olympic champion like Victoria Pendleton, a Rugby Union World Cup winner like Jonny Wilkinson or an individual who is just starting to find their way in the world of sport; if you are in need of some assistance, it is worth contacting Sport Newcastle.
The same applies whether you belong to a large, established community association or a recently formed small club, Sport Newcastle will try to help.
To mark the 50th landmark, Sport Newcastle is aiming to raise £50,000 which will go to four key projects in 2017.
One of the driving forces behind Sport Newcastle is its President and Secretary, Malcolm Dix. He also reaches a landmark this year, celebrating 40 years with Sport Newcastle.
Malcolm is synonymous with sport in the North East. He’s probably best known as one of the leaders of the Magpie Group which led to the arrival of Kevin Keegan at Newcastle Utd. He’s now Honorary Vice President for life at the club.
“Sport Newcastle and its predecessor, the Newcastle Sports Council, has helped hundreds of clubs, organisations, communities and individuals over its fifty years, so we want to do something really special to mark this occasion,” said Malcolm. “Our four chosen projects will each receive £5000 but of course we still want to hear from anyone else who feels that we may be able to provide assistance.”
What are the four main projects?
Newcastle Utd FC Foundation wants to recruit, support and train 5 assistant female coaches. These young women will be equipped to work as football coaches and to act as excellent role models for young female footballers.
The Falcons Community Association wants to expand their Deaf Rugby Programme by working in schools to raise awareness of how to offer an inclusive sporting environment for deaf children and those children with hearing impairments.
The Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation want to develop their Ahead of the Game’ programme by mentoring and developing 25 coaches, and helping 10 volunteers to achieve level 2 coaching qualifications. There will be a direct impact on over 500 players aged 6-18.
Hat-Trick intend to set up a Sports Coaching programme for 10 Y12/13 (6th form) students who currently volunteer for the organisation. Students will be provided with work experience placements, tutoring and training which will help them qualify for jobs in the sport and leisure industry.
So, what do you need to do if you feel
Sport Newcastle can help?
Individuals may receive a grant up to £250. Clubs and organisation may be awarded up to £500. The grant may be used for such things as travelling expenses, kit, coaching or for help in organising an event.
Clubs, organisations etc. must be located in Tyne and Wear. Individuals need to be either a member of a recognised sports club in Tyne and Wear, or live in the county. Sport Newcastle will need a run-down of what the grant would be used for and what sort of benefits are expected.
Sport Newcastle also has a Sport Scholar programme. Scholars are usually chosen from the Rising Stars programme which identifies 15 young people each year who are already making a name for themselves in their chosen sport. They each receive a scholarship grant of £5,000, spread over 3 years.
If you are interested in receiving a grant, the best idea is to go onto the Sport Newcastle website and head for the Grants section. You can download an application form.
If you or your organisation/company would like to sponsor a Sport Scholar, please get in touch with Sport Newcastle.
And of course you can support Sport Newcastle by attending one of their events.
The highlight of the year is their annual dinner at the Newcastle Civic Centre on March 6th. It is always a star-studded evening.
Or why not take part in their brilliant Charity Golf Day at Matfen Hall Golf Club on June 30th.
You can sponsor an event or simply make a donation, or why not run your own event with any funds raised being split 50-50.
