A CHARITY linked to a local football club has received a welcome boost to its coffers thanks to the National Lottery.
The cash award will help Ashton United in the Community to deliver a new project.
The not-for-profit organisation which connects Ashton United Football Club with the community has secured £19,757 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The charity has confirmed the money will be used to celebrate and support its volunteers.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, making a huge positive impact across our community,” a spokesperson said.
“Thanks to this funding, we can now build on our success, further recognising the value of our volunteers and ensuring they are well supported.”
The project will, over the next 12 months, aim to recruit new volunteers; retain and support existing volunteers; provide essential tools for their roles; offer refreshments during activities; and host recognition events to celebrate their successes.
Steve Hobson, Project Manager for Ashton United in the Community, said: “We are delighted to receive this award, which in part reinforces the King’s Award for Voluntary Service we achieved recently.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, making a huge impact in our community.
“Additionally, we support volunteers on their journey, be it to gain knowledge, skills and experience, qualifications, or simply to operate as part of a team and make friends along the way.”
Ashton United in the Community runs lunch clubs for older residents, sets up grassroots football sessions for kids and helps to tackle challenges such as poverty, poor wellbeing and unemployment.
Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering with the charity can contact trustee Andy Clayton by emailing andyc@ashtonunited.co.uk