A groundbreaking new scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in Stratford-on-Avon District has announced its successful applicant.
The successful local applicant is The Diabetes Football Community C.I.C, a project empowering people with diabetes to participate in football safely and confidently through its football festivals.
Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Stratford Leisure Centre, Southam Leisure Centre, Shipston Leisure Centre, Studley Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester, run in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, launched Community Champions to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged to apply.
The award-winning operator wants to play its part in building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond.
The Diabetes Football Community will secure valuable use of facilities within The Greig Leisure Centre, to help them carry out their work. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
The project is also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.
Richard Bell, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "We are hugely excited to support the The Diabetes Football Community which we hope will make a real difference in Stratford-on-Avon District.
"We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people's lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.
"The Diabetes Football Community is the perfect fit for us, and we are delighted to welcome them into the Community Champions fold."
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "Initiatives like Community Champions shine a light on the incredible work happening at grassroots level. Supporting The Diabetes Football Community and giving them free access to the leisure facilities at The Greig Leisure Centre offers them more chance to grow, develop and reach more people - helping people to live healthier, more connected lives and that's exactly what local leisure should be about."
Jon Peach, from The Diabetes Football Community, added: "We're absolutely delighted to be part of the Everyone Active Community Champions programme as this will hugely benefit our opportunities to bring our community together through football. We're very grateful for the support and we can't wait for our first session!"
Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 240-plus leisure centres nationwide.
