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Two Birkenhead gymnastics clubs are on track to secure £40,000 in funding, after being chosen for a national energy efficiency campaign, according to British Gymnastics.
Birkenhead Trampoline Club and Wirral Gymnastics Club, which share Drill Sports Hall in Birkenhead, were among just 12 grassroots sports clubs selected by British Gas for their Energy for Tomorrow campaign. The scheme means British Gas will match-fund three times whatever the clubs raise, up to £40,000.
The two clubs merged into the sports hall three years ago and operate as a close-knit community. Sarah, who started at Birkenhead Trampoline Club as a 12-year-old gymnast and has been head coach for four years, said a parent spotted the funding opportunity on British Gymnastics' social media and started the application, and they were successful.
"We have to raise £10,000, and if we hit that target, British Gas will meet it by another £30,000 so we actually get £40,000," she explained.
The clubs plan to use the money to upgrade old lighting to LEDs, replace draughty front doors, and install heating in the front entrance, corridors and toilets – areas currently without any heating at all.
Michelle, who has been head coach of Wirral Gymnastics Club for 13 years and runs it with her daughter, said the improvements would allow them to use spaces currently too cold in winter. "We've got a dance studio and a room which we currently use for education purposes. Both spaces could be used for training as well, or a warm-up space," she said. The club also hopes to reopen a former cafe area.
The fundraising effort has brought together members of all ages. One young trampolinist completed an open water swim, while others are taking on a £100 challenge – doing something different in or outside the gym to raise money. Some gymnasts are doing 100 of each different skill. The clubs are also hosting neon parties and outdoor Pilates sessions.
Between them, the clubs offer classes for mini-tots through to adults, with squads across artistic, tumbling and trampoline disciplines, plus recreational classes and Pilates. The Autistic Together Society also runs sessions at the venue five times a week, and every class has pledged to contribute to the fundraiser.
The family atmosphere has been key to their success. Sarah said some sponsors who have come forward first bounced at the club 30 or 40 years ago. "The building and the club means so much to all of them that they've just carried on supporting us," she said.
Michelle added that many of their current coaches were once gymnasts themselves, with some now bringing their own children and even grandchildren through the doors.
"Thank you to all the people who've supported us, either donating items, donating money, helping out with events," Michelle said. "We've got to try and keep that momentum going now."
She encouraged other gymnastics clubs to apply for similar funding in the future. "A lot of gymnastics buildings are old, too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter. They need work. So, I would encourage any of them to give it a try."
The clubs have already raised 60 percent of their fundraising goal.
If you'd like to donate, visit their Crowdfunder page here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/wgc-btc-community-space
