A Cumbrian village football team which has struggled with fundraising over the past two years, has scored a £1,000 funding boost from our Lancashire region.

Calthwaite Junior Football Club was selected to receive the donation by the regional team, through the Community Champions find which seeks to support grassroots organisations making a real difference to the lives of local people.

Sales director Diane Finch said: “The pandemic has been a double whammy for small sports clubs – not only have their competitions and training been affected, but also their ability to raise the funding they need to keep going.

“We are pleased that, through the Community Champions initiative, we are able to step in and provide some much-needed support for this worthy junior football club.”

Based in a rural village community, Calthwaite Junior Football Club runs eight teams ranging from U7s to U13s.

The club normally hosts summer tournaments that raise around £3,000 a year towards running costs such as lease and maintenance of the pitch and changing rooms, and a busy calendar of other fundraising and social events. Like most clubs, none of these activities have been possible due to the pandemic, leaving a significant shortfall, which Persimmon’s donation will help to alleviate.

Diane Finch added: “Our Community Champions initiative makes two donations of up to £1,000 each month and we are encouraging more groups alike to apply via our website.”

For more information about the initiative, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

PICTURED: Persimmon Homes field sales manager Lauren Graham (second left) presents Community Champions funding to Calthwaite Junior FC’s volunteer co-ordinator Lorraine Rogerson, U7s manager Craig Willan, club secretary Caroline Newton, U10s manager Neil Asbridge, U13s manager Andrew Watson, U13s assistant manager Craig Hodson and club chairman Gary Newton.