A new charity managed by 360 Chartered Accountants has been registered.
Underprivileged children in the HU1 to HU9 postcode areas will have the chance to participate in grassroots sport through the 360 Foundation, with plans to expand this geographically in the future to other areas where 360 has a physical presence.
According to Andy Steele, Director of 360 Ltd., a company based in Hull and East Yorkshire:
“Grassroots sports clubs play a vital role in bringing our communities together and we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to take part.”
“A recent report found that the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis has brought real financial difficulties for many. 2,600 grassroots clubs have shut down across the UK, with thousands more still at risk. More than half of parents said affordability got in the way of playing and the number of families who couldn’t afford kit almost doubled.”
“We don’t want families to be unable to pay subs or buy sports kits for their son or daughter because they need that money to buy food and other essentials.”
A series of fundraising events will be held over the coming year by 360 Chartered Accountants to support grassroots and professional sporting organisations in the city.”
Managing Director Adrian Hunter, who has been appointed Chair of the charity, said:
“We have been working hard over the last year to get everything in place and are thrilled to finally have official registered charity status for the 360 Foundation. We are looking forward to working with local sports clubs and agencies as well as with Hull City Council to reach as many young people as possible.
“Playing sports benefits both their physical and mental well-being. They also learn the importance of being part of a team which gives them a sense of belonging as they make new friends, helping increase their self-esteem and confidence. ”
“There are so many plus points, we don’t want anyone to drop out for financial reasons. Similarly, if there are young people who want to play a sport but haven’t been able to afford it up to now, we are here to help them too.”
At the beginning of December, more information about how to apply for funding will be released. In the meantime, anyone interested in donating to the 360 Foundation can email Foundation@360accountants.co.uk.
