Member Article

Rugby legend champions funding opportunity

Former England rugby union world cup winner Lewis Moody is urging young sports individuals and clubs to grasp their last chance to win a £200,000 jackpot thanks to a leading housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes launched its Healthy Communities scheme in May as part of a national initiative which aims to give away more than £600,000 in cash to sports groups and individuals.

Under the scheme, a host of regional prizes of £750 are up for grabs every month, with amateur sports teams and individuals aged 21 years and under eligible to apply. The money is to be spent on sports kit, equipment, coaching or facilities.

The scheme will close at the end of December with a shortlist of 30 drawn up in January from all the entries nationwide. They will go forward to a national final to be decided on a public vote, with the winning club or individual receiving £200,000 while two runners-up will receive £50,000 each with 27 finalist awards of £5,000 each.

Persimmon Homes Wessex has recently announced its latest monthly winner Mad Dog Sport, developed by former England Rugby player Lewis Moody.

Mad Dog Sport, provides rugby programmes that are integrated into the 6th form of state schools and academies. Together with boys’ education, they focus on the continuation of players personal development using rugby as a foundation.

Lewis Moody MBE, CEO of Mad Dog Sport, said: “It is great to see a national company like Persimmon Homes getting involved with youth sport and providing such a fantastic funding opportunity.

“We’re delighted to have received the donation to help towards buying extra kit and equipment for our programmes.

“Mad Dog Academies focus on grass roots players and coaches, providing them with a platform for new possibilities.

“If you’re looking to improve your club’s facilities then Persimmon Homes’ Healthy Communities is a great funding opportunity – get your applications in now!”

Sales and marketing director Pauline Fletcher is now urging people to apply as there are only a few weeks left until the scheme closes.

She said: “Mad Dog Sport is a worthy winner and it epitomises what Healthy Communities is all about, as we aim to create a lasting legacy for young people who love sport and the volunteers who help to deliver it

“Healthy Communities has been tremendously popular, and we have already helped some incredibly talented young people, as well as dedicated clubs providing grassroots sport and opportunities for local people.

“Everyone, regardless of whether they win a monthly prize, will be considered as a national finalist. “We are looking for sports teams and individuals who have amazing ideas on how to spend £200,000 to come forward. We will consider anything from new clubhouses, to training centres, facilities or gyms, or it may be people who want to spend the cash on the development of future Olympians. We’re very excited to see the projects that are put forward.”

Healthy Communities is in addition to the £720,000 Persimmon Homes already donates through its hugely successful Community Champions programme each year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Stuart .