After the most successful year in its history, Leighton Rugby Club has been awarded funds to help establish a team for girls aged between 12 and 14.
The club has been awarded £440 by the Leighton-Linslade Sports Council, half what it will cost for first aid training for new coaches, balls, cones and other equipment. If the project is successful, the club plans to develop teams in other age groups.
Club official Lee Beaumont is pictured receiving the cheque from Leighton Mayor Councillor David Bowater at an awards presentation evening when eight sports organisations received grants totalling more than £2,800 to boost coaching qualifications, purchase new equipment and help launch new activities.
Swimming, running, tennis and two football clubs also received funding, with Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club receiving £412 to help fund the formation of a junior section, and Leighton Buzzard Road Cycle club £334 for first aid and coaching courses.
The Leighton-Linslade Sports Council, a grass-roots organisation which for over 50 years has helped a wide variety of sporting activities in the community to grow, develop and flourish, is funded by the Town Council. Sporting groups in the area are being encouraged to join the Sports Council to “have their voice heard”
As well as making grants for equipment, coaching and other sporting needs, the Sports Council is the “ears and eyes” of the town’s sporting community, helping influence the decision-makers to ensure Leighton, Linslade and neighbouring villages and communities get the support needed from advice given by people with hands-on experience.
It also sponsors awards for recognising the work of “behind the scenes” volunteers in sporting organisations and a Sports Achiever of the Year.