MARSKE United have been buoyed by a vital cash injection that will help them transform their junior section as lockdown restrictions ease.

The Trident Community Foundation, established by grassroots sport investment programme Pitching In, provides crucial grants to clubs to help them build towards their future.

As a result of the challenging last 18 months, Marske has seen an increase in demand within the community from parents and younger children to become more active.

Bob Ryan, Marske community engagement officer, believes the new funding will go a long way to helping develop the club’s junior section and lay the foundations for a prosperous future.

He said: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Trident Community Foundation as it’s allowed us to continue to develop our junior structure.

“The funds will allow us to build on the activities Middlesbrough Foundation have been supporting, where over 60 children turn up every week to play social football.

“The grant will be used to facilitate the creation of another team in our ever-expanding junior set-up.”

The Covid-19 pandemic left an unsavoury mark upon sports clubs across the whole UK, but Marske were determined that it would not stop them from playing an active role amongst their local community.

Ryan added: “During lockdown, we’ve really engaged with the community across all ages. We’ve seen that it’s not just a football ground, but a hub for the whole community.

“Since April, we’ve started walking football at the club and this takes place two days a week with an emphasis upon mental wellbeing and fitness.

“We saw the need to do something for older people as some long-time supporters had lost loved ones during the pandemic, and with competitive football on hold, they had nowhere to go to enjoy social interaction.

“We’ve also partnered with Age UK and will be undertaking digital awareness training for people over 55 who are not fully conversant with the changing world of technology.”

And Ryan reiterated the impact the community fund has had, not just upon Marske, but the entire village itself.

“The funding has made a massive difference with the club being able to achieve their aim of putting on activities for children,” said Ryan.

“It’s a massive boost for the village to see children having activities to attend in a safe and friendly environment.

“Children are looking forward to coming, they are telling their friends all while having fun and making new friends.

“Parents are now talking about the positive impact for the village too and they’re requesting we run more events.

“Some children are now keen to participate in the match day experience with Marske too, by becoming a mascot or simply attending a game.”

  • Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/