BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow has thrown its support behind two town community projects run by professional sports teams.
For the third year running the company is sponsoring Advantage! Barrow Raiders and Barrow AFC Community Trust.
Both organisations use sport to help the social and economic development of individuals and groups, raise aspirations and improve the life chances of adults and young people.
Craig Rutherford, manager of Barrow AFC Community Trust, said: “The support from BAE Systems is so appreciated and welcomed, it will make such a positive difference within our local community and allows us to strengthen the work we already deliver.
“It’s fantastic to see the support from BAE Systems and the two professional clubs in the area working hard to develop their communities.”
Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation has grown since it was set up in January 2019.
From having no rugby balls and one member of staff, it now has eight members of staff, coaching in 12 primary schools a week and delivering 13 community programmes weekly to participants from nursery age to 90.
Its aim is to continue to tackle disadvantage within the community, ensuring all programmes are inclusive and accessible to people who need support the most.
Siona Hartley, Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation manager, said: “Thanks to support from BAE Systems, Advantage! delivers to, on average, more than 800 participants per week, and is now one of the leading charitable foundations in rugby league, having gained charitable status in May 2020. With the ongoing support of BAE Systems, Advantage! aim to be around for decades to come.”
· Recently, the two organisations collaborated to provide local children with a dodgeball tournament in which 17 primary schools took part.
