Sports hub sets its sights on honouring new fundraisers

THE team delivering the new Skipton Community Sports Hub has revealed that part of its final fundraising push will be a 'Founder’s Honours Board', which will see those who donate have their names permanently displayed in the new building.

The campaign, which was launched at the club last week, is aimed at raising £12,500 and will see all founders – both individuals and businesses – becoming an integral part of the fabric of the hub.

A spokesperson for Skipton Community Sports Hub, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for people in Skipton, and beyond, to show their support for a project that when complete will fast become the focal point of sporting activity for hundreds of children and a lot of adults week in week out.”

“And the good news is, it’s not long until the doors open and the dreams we’ve had for it become a reality.”

Following a tough few months, which included a break-in in February, terrible weather that caused numerous delays and the total redesign of the drainage system, the aim now is for the hub to open later this summer – with the date and plans for the opening weekend due to be revealed during July.

Options to be part of the Honours Board fundraiser begin at £25, with each individual donation entered into a prize draw to win £1,000. Meanwhile, businesses can get their names on the board from £100. To find out more about the campaign, visit https://skipton.play-cricket.com/news.

“It really is exciting to enter the final straight of the project,” added the spokesperson. “The utilities are now connected, the dressing rooms are nearing completion and we’re focusing on decoration and fitting out of the clubhouse lounge, including the bar and kitchen. And we’ve just had confirmation of a £30,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation, which will work alongside our own fundraising efforts to overcome the financial challenges we’ve faced during the project and see us over the finishing line.”

The 3,500 sq ft Skipton Community Sports Hub is a joint project by Skipton Juniors FC and Skipton Cricket Club, which between them support the sporting activities of around 600 children and young people from the l area. Once complete, the facility will serve the wider Skipton community; with the hub expected to host various community groups and clubs, as well as being the focal point for a wide variety of sporting activities.

The building has been designed by Skipton-based architects and rural development consultants, Rural Solutions and construction managed by S Simmonite General Contractors.