The Hargreaves Foundation supports Blackpool FC Community Trust

The Trustees of the Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce funding has been awarded to Blackpool FC Community Trust in Lancashire. The official charity of Blackpool FC, Blackpool FC Community Trust tackles disadvantages and gives the best opportunities to Blackpool residents by combining sport and physical activity with long-term support to combat diverse issues affecting people’s lives. It reaches 26,000 participants annually across more than 40 programmes aimed at enhancing people’s physical and mental health, developing skills, improving job prospects, and creating community cohesion.

The funding will go towards equipment, support, and the salaries and training of coaches to deliver five ‘Ability Hubs’ — enrichment programmes that provide inclusive adapted sport and physical activity — in special educational needs and disabilities schools throughout Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre for 20 children over 38 weeks. The children, aged five to 15, will participate in inclusive multisports sessions (football, basketball, exercise, boccia) and fun games to improve their physical, social and emotional wellbeing and help them to develop lifetime healthy habits. The tailored programmes aim to reduce participants’ feelings of marginalisation and exclusion, improve their physical health, and empower them to try new things.