Two community groups have scored funding, following recommendations from the recent Hitchin Community Forum at North Herts Council.
Hitchin Belles Football Club was awarded £1,803 towards training and workshops for their volunteers and coaches. The club, which is the largest grassroots girls’ football club in the country, recently launched a wellbeing team to support nearly 300 Hitchin-based players both on and off the pitch. The grant will help provide training on menstrual health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, injury prevention and resilience in teens, ensuring coaches and volunteers are equipped to support players holistically.
Genevieve Hallam, Wellbeing Lead, Hitchin Belles FC, said: "We're delighted to receive a community grant from North Herts Council. This funding will enable our coaches to develop skills that go far beyond the technical side of football and foster an environment that stretches our players to reach their full potential. Volunteers will be trained to create an inclusive coaching environment that embraces neurodiversity, builds resilience in our young players, and uses training strategies specifically designed for female athletes. We want every girl and woman to feel more powerful on and off the pitch for having been part of Hitchin Belles FC."
Green Care at Norton CIC was awarded £945 to purchase growing materials and equipment to expand their fruit and vegetable production at Standalone Farm for Hitchin Pantry. The not-for-profit organisation supports adults facing loneliness, unemployment, or social exclusion through therapeutic horticulture. Their fresh, locally grown produce now supplies Hitchin Pantry, making fruit and veg more affordable for local families. This funding will enable them to grow more of the produce the Pantry needs, including aubergines, squash, garlic and okra.
Ray Wilson, Director - Green Care at Norton, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive our award and truly appreciate the financial support from North Herts Council. This support has helped improve the lives and wellbeing of so many local people over the past 6 years and continues to do so.”
Cllr Daniel Allen, Leader of North Herts Council and Executive Member for Governance, said: "It’s brilliant to see the wide range of ways that our grants can support local groups – from boosting the wellbeing of young footballers to providing fresh, affordable produce for families. Both Hitchin Belles and Green Care at Norton make a real difference in our community, and we’re proud to back their work."
For more information on applying for a community grant, visit: www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/grants
Photo: credit Lindsay Cook Sports Photography
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