A South East Northumberland football club has scored £5000 worth of funding after winning the title of community bursary beneficiary from Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure.
The Northumberland retail and leisure destination selected Cramlington United Football Club as the recipient of its 2015 bursary for its dedication to encouraging young people, aged between five and 18 years, into sport and offering them a place to develop their skills in and around the community.
The much-needed funding will be used by the community football club to help purchase new strips and equipment, whilst keeping costs for its members to a minimum and allowing the club to run its three disability teams at no cost to members.
Funded by Hammerson, Manor Walks’ Community Bursary Scheme, now in its third year, supports organisations that undertake vital work in the local community and was open to all registered charities operating in Northumberland with a focus on children and young people, health or local regeneration of community infrastructures and facilities.
Manor Walks’ general manager Bruno Coppola said: “We have once again received an overwhelming response to our Community Bursary Scheme and we are proud to be able to name Cramlington United Football Club as our third beneficiary.
“The main focus of the club is providing a safe environment for children and young people to develop as individuals in a social group. As a registered charity the club works regularly with other local organisations and schools to benefit the community and maximise opportunities for the county’s young people, and we are looking forward to further developing our relationship with Cramlington United over the next 12 months.”
Dave Malone, club chairman at Cramlington United Football Club, added: “These are exciting times for Cramlington United and this award from Hammerson and Manor Walks will help us in so many ways. To be recognised for the work our team of over 40 volunteers does within the community is great for everyone involved. I’d like to thank Manor Walks on behalf of everyone at the club and look forward to working with them throughout the next 12 months.”
With 340 members playing across 31 teams at a variety of levels from festivals and friendly matches to league games, Cramlington United Football Club is the only club in England to be awarded Charter Standard Community Club status by the Football Association within 12 months of forming. For further information on Cramlington United Football Club visit www.cramlingtonunitedfc.co.uk, like the club on Facebook or follow @CramlingtonUtd on Twitter.
With over 100 retailers including Northumberland’s only multiplex cinema, a range of family restaurants as well as high street favourites and independent stores, Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure in Cramlington offers a huge amount of choice to suit a range of tastes. To keep up-to-date on all of Manor Walks events visit www.manorwalks.co.uk, like the official Facebook page or follow @ManorWalks on Twitter and Instagram.