Bideford-based youth team secure funding from local builders
A local developer has donated £1,000 to Shammy Rovers Youth FC.
Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon’s funding comes from its Community Champions scheme, which sees £24,000 go to good causes and much-valued organisations across the region every year, with recent recipients including Cornwall Air Ambulance, the Museum of Cornish Life, and Bodmin Town Band.
Local Torridge District Councillor Huw Thomas joined the five-star developer for the cheque presentation which was held at its Pollyfield base.
The youth wing of the North Devon League club was re-formed two years ago and has five teams. The funding injection will go towards its under 12s side who play in the North Devon Youth League, as well as the club’s local food pantry too.
Persimmon have outline planning permission for its Abbotsham Park site in the west of the Bideford, seeking to bring 200 much-needed high-quality homes for local people in the area.
Commenting, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Sales Director Jane Cartwright said: “We know Shammy Rovers is a much-loved part of the Bideford community, and it was fantastic to hear about the club’s youth set up, which is clearly popular.
“As local developers who seek to leave a positive and lasting legacy, we wanted to support the Shammy youth side as a show of commitment to the town and also do our bit to keep the set-up going so residents can continue enjoy watching and playing for the team for years to come.
“After securing outline planning permission for our Abbotsham Park site earlier this year, we are hoping to work with others to complete other permissions for the development, ensuring a pipeline of future Shammy youth players for years to come.”
Sam Stephens, Chairman of Shammy Rovers Youth FC, added: “We’re delighted to have been successful in our application to Persimmon’s Community Champions fund so we can keep our brilliant youth sides playing the sport they love.
“It will be of enormous help in meeting our running costs, ensuring our young players have the kit and equipment they need to play competitively, and further enhance our offer to the local community.
“We’d like to thank Persimmon again for choosing us as worthy winners of this much-appreciated donation.”
Cllr Huw Thomas, Torridge District Councillor for Bideford East, commented: “It’s great to see clubs like Shammy Rovers get funding for their youth teams, especially given the physical and emotional benefits of playing team sports.
"It's always good to see developers making a contribution to the communities where they are building homes and I'm sure the club is extremely grateful."
