We’re pleased to have donated £975 to Active Redditch Community Hub (ARCH).
ARCH was established during the pandemic to help people in Redditch become more physically active and improve their health. Statistically, the number of young people engaging in at least 60 minutes of exercise per day in Redditch is below the national average.
The Community Hub engages approximately 120 people every week in sports such as cricket, football, netball and swimming.
GSA’s funding will specifically support ARCH’s new youth football club for local children aged 6-12. The club will run free weekly sessions for up to 35 children throughout the summer holidays.
The football sessions will target some of the most deprived areas of Redditch, to redirect young people who may otherwise risk falling into antisocial behaviour and crime. Exercise is known to enhance confidence, create a sense of purpose and improve mental and physical health. Team sports in particular help to build key social skills and foster friendships, which can set young people on a more positive path in life.
Rizwan Khan, Project Co-ordinator at ARCH, commented:
“Alongside improving physical health, our aim is to improve community cohesion, giving young people a chance to unite and achieve through sport. We want to encourage young people to become role models and ambassadors within the community, inspiring them to volunteer and develop leadership skills through our sessions.
As well as providing an outlet for children, the project relieves some of the financial pressure on parents to entertain them for six weeks throughout the summer holidays.”
The football club will be held at Trinity High School, close to our Passingham Place development in Redditch town centre.
The donation was made possible by our Community Impact Fund, which grants up to £2,000 per project to charities and community groups that benefit GSA customers in our localities. Find out more about the fund here.
The Community Impact Fund is supported by generous social value donations from our suppliers and partners. This grant was made possible thanks to a recent donation of £500 from our electrical supplier, Abbey Group Services, based in Swindon.
Wendy Butcher, Office Manager at Abbey Group Services, said:
“It’s an absolute pleasure that our donation contributed something truly meaningful to ARCH and the incredible football sessions they are able run for the community.
ARCH has created a space where young people can feel seen, supported, and inspired. These sessions aren't just about scoring goals, they're about building confidence, friendships, and brighter futures.”