Matchroom have long standing connection with the town of Sheffield and it’s communities with The Crucible hosting the World Snooker Championships since 1977.
Recently World Snooker committed to remain in Sheffield for the World Championships until 2045, and several Matchroom Boxing fighters coming from the area and headlining in shows in their hometown throughout the year.
Thus the Foundation was delighted to extend these links by contributing £25,000 to the Sheffield Legacy Fund, which supports grassroots community organisations within a three mile radius of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. The Fund awards grants of up to £1,000 to fund local events and activities that promote physical and mental health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Sheffield Legacy Fund has been able to reach more organisations and create meaningful change in some of Sheffield’s most diverse and disadvantaged communities.
In total, Matchroom Charitable Foundation’s donation has benefitted 26 local groups, reaching approximately 1,950 individuals, and providing vital funding to smaller, seldom heard groups. This has enabled a range of initiatives to be delivered spanning sport, education, employability, food support, social inclusion, and community engagement.
Some examples of the charities supported by Matchroom through the Fund are –
Cricket Arena CIC – Winter Indoor Cricket Wellbeing League delivers 22 weeks of indoor cricket leagues, providing accessible, low-cost physical activity during the winter months for over 120 men from some of Sheffield’s most deprived communities.
Darnell Lunch Club – a community lunch club for older adults in Darnall, Sheffield, providing nutritious meals, social activities, and opportunities to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Para Badminton GB – Para Pathways project, South Yorkshire’s only dedicated para badminton session – an independent, accessible programme that removes the barriers disabled players face in standard able-bodied settings.
Leisure United – new foot golf sessions, providing a fun and accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity.
Spark of Life – supports children and young people facing financial hardship or challenging backgrounds by providing inclusive boxing based fitness sessions that build discipline, confidence, and positive life skills.
The Eagles Foundation – delivers a weekly walking rugby programme, providing accessible, low impact physical activity for people who are isolated or unable to participate in mainstream sport.
Claire Fretwell, Operations Manager at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park said:
“We’re thrilled to receive this donation from Matchroom Charitable Foundation and have the opportunity to collaborate in transforming lives through sport and community activity.
“The Sheffield Legacy Fund has now supported over 70 grassroots organisations to deliver a wide range of activities promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing and social inclusion.
“From climbing, dancing, and gardening groups to ice hockey, rugby and snooker sessions and a variety of activities in between, these initiatives have so far reached over 4,000 individuals across our local communities.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Matchroom’s generous support and we’re excited to expand our reach, empower more people, and create an even greater positive impact going forward.”
