Builder bucks for budding Bodmin ballers

One of Cornwall’s largest developers has given its support to a local youth football team with a £1,500 donation.

Persimmon Homes handed the donation to Bodmin Youth FC at a training session at its ground in the town. They were joined by former coach and now-Leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Leigh Frost.

Consisting of 17 teams, ranging from Under 8s to Under 18s, the volunteer-run club has 300 children playing in mixed and girls teams. The funds will go towards maintenance, equipment, and pitch costs at a time when the clubhouse is undergoing much-needed redevelopment.

The club, previously known as Mount Boys before changing its name in 2006, has already hosted a tournament, entered the Bodmin Town Carnival, hosted a Christmas party and taken part in sponsored challenges to try and raise funds for running costs.

The accredited five-star builder has four live sites in Cornwall – Eve Parc in Falmouth, Trehenlis Gardens in Helston, Trevethan Meadows in Liskeard, and Trevithick Manor Park in Newquay. An application from Persimmon for over 500 high-quality, new homes for Bodmin is currently under consideration by the Council.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 spent on good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include Cornwall Air Ambulance, 3^rd Bodmin Scouts, Home Start Kernow, and Bodmin Town Band.

Jane Cartwright – Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Sales Director – said:

“Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme is all about supporting great initiatives in the areas in which they build, not only for the good of existing residents but those who will be living on our developments.

“We have a proud record of backing local sports clubs, especially youth focussed ones, so we felt lending a helping hand to Bodmin Youth FC was an obvious choice, especially with the Euros tournament inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up the sport.”

Phil Harris – Chairman of Bodmin Youth FC – commented:

“With costs for grassroots clubs like ours increasing year on year, it becomes more and more important for us to raise funds from diverse pots on money.

“So, we were thrilled to hear that Persimmon had chosen us as one its Community Champions and this donation will be a big help for us in maintaining the club for our players.”

Cllr Leigh Frost – Leader of Cornwall Council and Councillor for Bodmin St Petroc – added:

“Bodmin Youth FC has long been a cornerstone of our town’s sporting life, so it’s heartening to see businesses like Persimmon Homes investing in local initiatives that nurture young talent.

“As a former coach at the club myself, I really believe supporting young people through sport is so essential to their development and wellbeing and welcome this donation.”