A new generation of sailors have benefitted after receiving a Charnwood Community Small Grant to help expand its sessions.

Syston Sailing Club was awarded £750 earlier this year, which has enabled the group to extend this year’s sessions and start planning for a busy 2025.

The club carried out some taster sessions for a junior club this summer and has now officially launched its Splash and Sail sessions, designed to engage children, aged six years and above, in sailing skills through games and water-based fun.

Charnwood Borough Council awards tens of thousands of pounds each year to support groups and projects.

Councillor Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s lead member for communities and neighbourhoods, said:

“I am pleased to see that the Council’s Charnwood Community Small Grant has helped Syston Sailing Club to continue and grow their sessions."

“It is great that youngsters in the borough who have a passion for sailing or want to try it out will be able to pursue it further. Local organisations and groups can benefit greatly from a Charnwood Community Grant. If you are involved in a local project, please do look into the grants which you may be able to apply for.”

Rob Pocock, Splash and Sail instructor at Syston Sailing Club, said:

“The children and everyone at Syston Sailing Club are delighted to get this backing from the council. The money will help to improve equipment and provide games, toys and amusements for the young people and help us to subsidise these fun sessions, allowing us to keep them affordable for all families."

“It will help ensure we can bring more fun to more of the borough’s children, keeping them active, and teaching them invaluable water safety skills.”

For more information about Syston Sailing Club, and to keep up to date on dates for Splash and Sail sessions for 2025, visit their website at www.systonsailing.co.uk.

The Council offers a wide range of community grants to voluntary and community sector organisations across Charnwood.