Thinking Lettings receives £8,000 grant to launch multisport and girls-only football sessions at Paignton Academy

Thinking Lettings, a non-profit sports and function venue hire for community use which reinvests money back into the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, has been awarded an £8,000 football multisport grant from Active Devon.

This funding has enabled Thinking Lettings to implement free multisport sessions and girls-only sessions for children aged 4 to 11 at Paignton Academy, enhancing opportunities for physical activity and skill development within the local community.

The grant also supports a partnership with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, allowing their qualified coaches to lead the sessions over a 20-week course. The sessions are designed to provide engaging and inclusive sporting opportunities for young children within the community.

Active Devon is a community-focused, non-profit organisation that strives to ensure that everyone in Devon remains active for life, and this initiative aligns with their mission to promote regular physical activity in young individuals.

As part of the grant, Thinking Lettings has been able to purchase new sports equipment, including cricket sets, rounders sets, cones, bibs and various balls, ensuring that the community has access to high-quality resources that will benefit local children for a long time.

Amelia’s mum, a mother of one of the girls taking part in the sessions, expressed her excitement for the initiative:

“As a parent, I’m thrilled that Thinking Lettings and Plymouth Argyle are offering girls-only football sessions. It’s amazing to see my daughter feel included and confident in a sport she loves, without worrying about being overshadowed. These opportunities are crucial for encouraging girls to stay active and embrace their potential.”

Cody, Fitness and Lettings Manager at Paignton Academy, said:

“This grant is an amazing chance to offer even more activities for local children. We are all about promoting fitness, teamwork, and personal growth through sport, and it’s especially exciting to give young girls a space to really shine in football.

“The Girls-only Football sessions are all about helping them build confidence, learn new skills, and fall in love with the game.”

Stew Walbridge, Head of Participation at Argyle Community Trust, commented:

"We are excited to be working with Thinking Lettings on this fantastic initiative. It is so important that all children, regardless of their background or experience, have the chance to participate in sports.

“These sessions will give young people the opportunity to stay active, develop essential life skills such as teamwork and perseverance, and, most importantly, have fun in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Thinking Lettings says it is committed to continually reviewing the impact of this grant on the local community over the next year, assessing participation levels, skill development, and the long-term benefits for the children involved; so it can ensure it makes lasting positive change.