Elsenham Youth Football Club’s Under 5/6 team have that winning feeling – after the awarding of a new grant to subsidise club fees from UK Power Networks.
The £300 grant will go to Elsenham’s Under 5/6 age group, to help subsidise fees for local families as well new equipment, during the ‘cost of living crisis’.
Josh Colson, lead operational engineer at UK Power Networks based in Chatham, applied for the award for the first time, for his son Zac and his teammates.
Josh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win the award, as are the other parents, who are very impressed that UK Power Networks does this. Thank you to the company for this award, it will mean a lot to the football club and the children within our community who are just starting their journey in sport.
“It’s a big amount of money to us, seeing as it’s a high percentage of the yearly fundraising. It will allow the club to grow and welcome extra players in and allow the club to be the focal point of the small community we live in. The grant helps take a bit of stress and burden away from the volunteers to raise money, and also from the parents whose children ask to join the club but they can’t afford it.”
The kids train at The Rec at Leigh Drive, Elsenham, on Saturday mornings. The 400-strong club takes age ranges from 4 to 18 years old, entirely managed by parents who volunteer their free time, including weekends.
Josh said the 5/6s had had a great season: “Imagine 12 five-year-olds chasing around after a ball – the coaches are very good and trying to encourage them to spread out and play, and teach them the fundamentals but ultimately making sure it’s inclusive and very fun.
“They played their first matches against a local town, Saffron Walden. There were multiple 3v3 games and Elsenham won all of them. The opposition coach also complimented our coaches and players which was nice to hear.”
He added: “The club makes a lot of difference to the children so that they can take part in sport, socialise with their school friends outside of school and have fun.”
Ricky Lambourne, Elsenham FC chairman, said: “Thanks for the grant that UK Power Networks is able to provide. It’s people such as Josh and UK Power Networks that give not-for-profit grassroots clubs such as Elsenham Youth Football the opportunity to provide sports facilities for local children.
“Any funds raised get circulated back into the club for equipment needs that ultimately benefit the children so all are welcomed and appreciated by all here at the club.”
