SJR Worksop Girls U13s Football Team Benefits from £950 Council Community Grant
A Worksop football club has received a significant boost to support its young female players through a valuable £950 Councillor community grant. Funding from Bassetlaw District Council Ward Members for Worksop South-East, Councillor John Shephard and Councillor Josie Potts, has enabled the SJR Worksop Girls Under-13s squad to purchase new winter coats and tracksuits.
Enhanced Comfort and Accessibility for Young Athletes
The updated kit will support players throughout the entire year during training sessions, matchdays, and changeable weather conditions. Importantly, it also helps to reduce financial burdens for local families, making the club more accessible to every young girl who wishes to play football.
Claire Brown, women’s director at SJR Worksop U13s, expressed her gratitude, stating: “Providing our U13s girls with winter coats and tracksuits will make a huge difference to the squad, especially during the colder months when training and matchdays can be challenging.”
She added: “This support ensures our players can stay warm, comfortable and focused, no matter the weather. This grant also helps ease the financial pressure on families, making our club more accessible to every young girl who wants to play football. We’re incredibly grateful for this backing, which strengthens not only our team but our wider community.”
Team Details and Competitive Schedule
Currently, the U13s Girls team comprises 13 dedicated players. They train on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6pm until 7pm and have their matches at Manton Sports and Social Club on Saturday mornings. The team regularly competes in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls Division 2, showcasing their skills and commitment to the sport.
Councillors' Commitment to Grassroots Football
Councillor Shephard and Councillor Potts jointly commented on their decision to award the grant: “We’re really pleased to be able to support SJR Worksop Girls U13s through this grant. Having proper winter coats and tracksuits means the players can take part comfortably throughout the colder months, helping them stay involved in the sport they love.”
They further emphasized: “This kind of support also helps make grassroots football more accessible for local families, which is something we care deeply about. SJR Worksop continues to provide fantastic opportunities for girls in our area, and we’re proud to back the club’s ongoing work with young people.”
Club History and Broader Operations
SJR Worksop was originally established in 1984 as a Sunday League side. The club has since expanded significantly and now operates a comprehensive junior section, starting from Under-7s upwards. Additionally, it includes an academy section and adult teams that compete in the Central Midlands Alliance (Men’s - Step 7) and in the East Midlands Regional League (Women’s - Step 5).
Understanding Councillor Community Grants
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. These Councillor grants may support a wide range of projects related to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and general community benefit. This initiative highlights the council's commitment to fostering local development and supporting valuable community organisations like SJR Worksop.
The club is based in Worksop, with activities also extending to Retford and Tuxford in Nottinghamshire, serving as a hub for youth sports and community engagement in the region.
