An Essex village scout group can show their sporting side after a funding boost from a local power company.
Hullbridge Scouts received a £250 Team Sport award from UK Power Networks who distribute electricity across the East of England.
The money went towards new specialist sports equipment after Dean Chaplin, a field engineer at UK Power Networks based in Purfleet, applied for the funds as a volunteer leader for the group.
The Scouts offer a range of activities, but Dean had noted how many of the youngsters were showing an interest in trying out new sports and wanted to expand the options on offer.
Dean said: “For the past eight years I have volunteered as a Scout Leader with 1st Hullbridge Scout Group. Our group is run by a small but dedicated group of adults bringing scouting to 75 Young people aged between six and 14 in our village.
“We are extremely grateful to UK Power Networks for their generous awarding of funding towards new equipment. As a group we participate with other scout groups within Crouch Valley District in various district events.
“Part of our program is physical development whether through Sports Activities or group games to develop team working and coordination.
“We are using the money to purchase a 24 Handle parachute, adjustable height nets and balls. As our young people work through the scouting sections their sporting needs grows with them.
“Generally anything involving ball throwing a ball is popular. We have recently noticed the older sections playing volleyball and the purchase of nets which can act as tennis nets and then raised to volleyball height is a great addition to our sports equipment.”
The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities.
Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. During 2021, 77 teams benefitted to a combined sum of £19,250.
