Funding Boost – Venture Trust Support
Article below from North Ayrshire Council website
North Ayrshire Table Tennis Club has received a significant funding boost as it continues nurturing talent across the region.
The group will receive £30,000 over the next three years after securing further money from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust (NAVT).
This grant programme was developed to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises in North Ayrshire to explore new opportunities to help them grow in size and improve long-term sustainability.
It is the second time the local club have been successful in funding bids to NAVT – with this tranche of funding going on an extension of the existing Development Officer/coaching roles.
The clubs founder Billy Main said: “We are proud of our club and we are one of the area’s real success stories.
“We’ve gone from strength to strength in recent years but we don’t want to stand still and this latest funding will really support our aspirations to develop the sport even further. With the excellent facilities in North Ayrshire and the support from NAC we are looking forward to the future of the sport in the local community.
“Table tennis is a sport that can be played by boys, girls, men and women of all ages and abilities and the NAVT funding is a huge help in us achieving our dreams.”
The club has produced a number of Scottish Champions and earlier this year won the Scottish National League for a record eight times. That’s eight from the past 11 years making them the most successful club in the history of the league.
They have been competing in the British Premier League for the past seven years and finished second last year. A number of their young players have represented Scotland at the European Championships.
Billy added: “We’ve had some great times and have worked closely with the Council. They have provided plenty of support. We are now really grateful for this North Ayrshire Ventures Trust funding. It will really help us move forward with our long-term plans.”
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and the Islands. added: “The success of North Ayrshire Table Tennis Club is fairly remarkable. Not only are they producing great champions but producing a great and inclusive club which has done so much for so many people.
“NAVT was set up to support groups that make a difference and need funding to help them take bold next steps. We are delighted to support North Ayrshire Table Tennis Club and look forward to hearing about their achievements in the coming weeks and months.”
If you would like to apply for NAVT funding, please email infonavt@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
