Stokesley Tennis Club was among the organisations to benefit from more than £1 million through a fund aimed at tackling regional inequalities across the country.
A wide range of projects in North Yorkshire have benefited from the financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which was established to improve communities and provide more opportunities across the UK.
The sport and active travel programme, managed by North Yorkshire Sport on behalf of North Yorkshire Council, has awarded grants of up to £50,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to projects across the county which aim to increase physical activity in rural areas.
Stokesley Sports Club was awarded £49,999 for improvements to its tennis courts. The club wanted to drive participation in physical activity in the surrounding area by offering high quality, artificial tennis courts at an affordable cost to all ages and playing abilities.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, who is the chair of the Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership Group in the county, said: “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact these investments are having in our communities. By supporting projects like the one at Stokesley Sports Club, we are not only encouraging physical activity but also creating welcoming environments for all residents to enjoy.
“Supporting schemes which encourage people to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles is one of the ambitions of the Council Plan and the benefit to physical and mental well-being is invaluable.”
As well as improving physical health, the club aims to use the new courts to help to combat social isolation through their ‘Rusty Racquets’ group which meets three times a week and promotes mental wellbeing amongst older members of the community.
The tennis courts will also be used for other fitness and community activities such as sports classes and children’s parties.
Stokesley tennis club’s secretary, Samantha Macdonald, said: “The members of Stokesley Sports Club and in particular the tennis section, are extremely grateful to North Yorkshire Sport for the grant to improve our facilities. This has resulted in much improved tennis facilities for the local community in Stokesley.
“The new courts have rejuvenated interest in the club and have already resulted in over 30 new memberships for the summer season as well as allowing local youth groups, such as Stokesley Brownies and Guides, to take part in tennis taster sessions.
“We hope this will continue to encourage access to exercise, and in particular tennis, to a wider cross section of the community and children in Stokesley.”
Other notable projects receiving funding include the Skipton Community Sports Hub for a project on improving access for disabled people to use cricket and football facilities.
The Malton Pump Track has also benefited from funding to install a track to be used by BMX bikes, mountain bikes, skateboards, micro scooters and rollerblades.
And the Bedale Skate Park has been given a grant to replace an old skate facility in Bedale Park with a new, state-of-the-art facility for skaters and younger children on scooters.
The director of development at North Yorkshire Sport, George Cull, said: “North Yorkshire Sport is excited to be making these awards on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.
“By making these investments we are enabling community groups and clubs to reach further into their community and expand their offer, as well as taking ownership of their spaces and places and provide welcoming, high-quality environments for residents to be more active.”
North Yorkshire Council has supported a variety of business and community groups through different grant and support schemes via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More information is available online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-fund
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