More than £20,000 has been given to groups in West Cumbria to help support the development of youngsters.
The fund, set up by a anonymous couple, is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and focuses on supporting young people across the county from challenging backgrounds.
Cockermouth Rugby Union Football Club received £2,674 to develop young people into junior sports coaches.
Over the course of an academic year, 10 young people from Cockermouth School will access training, development and volunteering opportunities.
They will help deliver sporting sessions to younger children and be supported to volunteer at local clubs and organisations.
Chris Wright, head coach at Cockermouth Rugby Union Football Club, said: “Our Elite star programme is designed to support and encourage young people to develop their leadership skills and volunteer in their community.
“The young people will be recruited will look to develop self-confidence, organisational skills, coaching skills and event management.”
The Outdoor Partnership, a charity that offers equipment and qualifications in activities such as kayaking and climbing, received £19,989 to engage young people in Allerdale and Copeland in outdoor activities.
By working with local youth organisations and schools, more than 100 young people will access paddle boarding and cycling opportunities while receiving accredited qualifications.
Some of the participants will be encouraged to continue their development through volunteering, coaching and be supported into employment in the outdoor sector.
Claire Bryant, Outdoor activities’ development officer Cumbria, said: “The project will support young people’s health and wellbeing, tackling the effects of loneliness and isolation through sport and physical activity.
“It will also help improve people’s mental health through access to green spaces and improve their confidence and self-esteem through outdoor activities.”
The couple who set up the fund said: “After a very tough year of lockdowns, disrupted education and outdoor activities, we are really keen to support young people getting back on their feet and for the fund to offer opportunities for personal development.”
Projects must have an emphasis on using the outdoors to expand horizons and self-confidence and work with specific groups of young people over a period rather than single one-off sessions or events.
Funding will also support the development of leadership qualities in young people, especially those who have the potential to inspire their peer group and/or their own communities.
