The 360 Grass Roots Foundation has re-opened applications to help financially disadvantaged children access grassroots sports in Hull.
Formed by 360 Chartered Accountants, the Foundation provides financial support for families and carers of children in the HU1 to HU9 postcode areas who are currently struggling with the cost of sports subscriptions, kit or travel.
Sophie Holmes, Chair of the charity, said that they were inundated with requests from coaches, parents and carers for help during the last tranche of applications, particularly for sports glasses which are very expensive, especially when they have prescription lenses.
“Lots of people are proud and don’t want to admit they are struggling financially so they pull their child out of sport rather than ask for help. We don’t want that to happen. There are so many benefits, both physical and mental.
“One boy, in the first game of the season, was told by the referee he couldn’t wear his regular glasses for the match, so he had to leave the pitch and wasn’t able to play until he got some sports glasses with help from the Foundation.
“This year we are redoubling our efforts so that can help even more children. We’ve got a bigger and better Footgolf event happening in April and the 360 team has entered various sponsored events, including running the Hull 10k.”
The Foundation has recently had support from Hull Kingston Rovers who flashed up information about the charity on the big screen during a match, free of charge, and Tigers Events has made them their official charity of the year.
Sophie continued:
“Most of the help we’ve been asked for is from children who play football and rugby and while these are probably the most popular sports in Hull, we would also like to reach out to swimmers, athletes, cricketers, basketball and ice hockey players and so on. We want to help as many children as possible enjoy their sport without worrying about any costs involved.”
Applications for grant funding are now being welcomed until Friday 23 February. Please email foundation@360accountants.co.uk, call 01482 427360 or pop into 360 Chartered Accountants at 18/19 Albion Street, in Hull city centre and fill out a short application form. It will only take you 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, if any individuals or businesses would like to donate to the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, please email foundation@360accountants.co.uk or sign up for our charity Footgolf event.