It’s no sweat for Nairn Sports Club with funding from Highland LEADER Programme

Nairn photo

(Left to right) David Godden, Chair of the Inner Moray Firth South Local Area Partnership with Pauline Barron, Craig Urquhart and Steve Jack from Nairn Sports Club

Nairn Sports Club is to benefit from EU funding from the Highland LEADER Programme.  

The Inner Moray Firth South Local Area Partnership has approved funding of £65,000 towards alterations and an extension to the existing Sports Club building. 

Steve Jack, President of Nairn Sports Club said:  “Our current facilities were built when membership numbers were around 250.  The existing facilities are in need of redevelopment and refurbishment to accommodate our membership which has grown to over 900 members. 

“The grant from LEADER will allow us to alter the existing building to form new changing rooms and social space.  The building will also be extended.  The additional space and reorganisation of the current gym will make better use of the facilities which can be used by anyone in the community.  Non-members are welcome to participate in the Club’s varied programme of classes and to use the gym, sports hall and squash and tennis courts.” 

Pauline Barron, the Club’s Development Manager said: “By extending the building we will be able to introduce more initiatives that promote health, well-being and rehabilitation.  We will work closely with the schools in the area, the Nairn Duke of Edinburgh Group and Nairn Healthcare Group to deliver targeted programmes encouraging young people, the over 50’s, and people with health conditions to exercise.” 

The Inner Moray Firth South Local Area Partnership is responsible for delivering the LEADER Programme in Nairnshire and Rural Inverness, excluding Inverness City.  The Local Area Partnership has a budget of £412,684 to award to projects by March 2019.  The Nairn Sports Club project is the first approval made by the group. 

David Godden, Chair of the Inner Moray Firth South Local Area Partnership said: “LEADER aims to promote economic and community development within rural areas.  The Local Area Partnership has developed an Action Plan outlining development priorities for the community.  We are delighted to support this project which contributes towards the delivery of the Plan by improving access to local services and facilities.  The project will allow the Club to develop further, as well as providing new job opportunities for additional Coaches and Instructors. 

“The Local Area Partnership can fund a range of projects and we would encourage groups to get in touch with project ideas.  Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available with applicants able to apply for up to 50% of project costs.  The Local Area Partnership can consider funding projects above these limits in exceptional cases.” 

For further information about the Highland LEADER Programme please visit www.highlandleader.com or contact Fiona Daschofsky, LEADER Development Officer on 01463 702542 or by emailing fiona.daschofsky@highland.gov.uk 

 

10 May 2017