Co Derry school benefit from new training gear thanks to giveaway

The initiative, first introduced in 2024, provides practical support to grassroots sports clubs, schools and volunteer-led organisations, recognising the important contribution they make to community life, wellbeing and inclusion.

St. Patrick's & St. Joseph's Primary School in Co Derry received £1,000 worth of training gear, helping to ensure that young people have access to quality equipment and opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.

CommunityFit awards are made quarterly, with recipients selected from across the island of Ireland each round. Each successful club, school or community sports organisation receives £/€1,000 towards training equipment, clubwear or other essentials.

Community Finance Ireland, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is a charity, all-island business and social enterprise that provides loans exclusively to third-sector organisations, including community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises, across the island of Ireland. Its commitment to supporting thriving local communities extends beyond lending and includes initiatives such as the CommunityFit Giveaway.

Catherine Ball, Principal of St. Patrick's & St. Joseph's Primary School, said: "Thank you so much to all at Community Finance Ireland for making this possible. The children are absolutely delighted with the kit and are excited to wear it at their next cross-country event. CFI's generous support is greatly appreciated and we are very grateful for the investment in our pupils and school community."

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance (Northern Ireland) with Community Finance Ireland, who presented the team with the new kit, said: "It was a real joy to meet the pupils from St. Patrick's & St. Joseph's Primary School and to present them with their new CommunityFit training kit. We are proud to support schools, grassroots sports clubs and volunteer-led organisations across Northern Ireland, through initiatives like this and through social lending. We remain committed to creating impact at a local level and to supporting thriving communities."

The CommunityFit Giveaway has already made a tangible difference to local clubs, schools and volunteer-led organisations, with Roslea Shamrocks CLG, Lagan College, Ballymoney Ladies’ Hockey Club, St. Patrick's Football Club, Richill AFC, the NOW Group, St. Genevieve's High School, Tulsk Camogie Club, Brian Boru's Ladies' Football Club, Aileach AFC, and Castletown GAA in Wexford all having previously received support through the CommunityFit Giveaway.

Community Finance Ireland encourages clubs and community organisations to sign up to its mailing list. Join Community Finance Ireland's mailing list at www.communityfinanceireland.com to ensure your organisation is in with a chance of being selected for a future CommunityFit award.