British Wrestling has been working hard to support our community Wrestling Clubs. In partnership with Sport England, British Wrestling has supported 14 clubs around England through the Together Fund.
This has helped these wrestling clubs with the regrowing their clubs after the turbulent years. This fund is a continuation of the Tackling Inequality Fund, this fund existed to reduce the negative impact of coronavirus and help community groups to grow and help more people. The Together Fund money was invested in three key audiences:
- Lower socio economic groups
- Culturally diverse communities
- Increasing female participation
Each week we will be showcasing a club and the projects they delivered using the funds.
Thanks to Sport England for their support with the fund.
Bury Defence Academy
In Spring 2023 Bury Defence Academy secured £4,000 via the British Wrestling Association of Together funding with the aim of expanding the Sport at a grassroots level for young people.
Impact
The funding has helped grow the Sport at a grassroots level. Prior to the funding there was only 1 weekly class. Approximately 45 young people now attend Wrestling at BDA at least once a week. Prior to the funding this was around 30 per week.
Wrestling ability and performance has improved significantly over 12 months with junior BDA Wrestlers performing well in inter club competitions.
We offer 7 combat sports but amongst young people Wrestling is our second most popular sport after Boxing.
Statements
Saif Ahmed (12 Years Old) “the free Saturday class has benefitted me in many ways. The class being free helps me and my family financially”
Ibrahim Ahmed (10 years old) “the Saturday class has helped me become more confident. I like participating in Wrestling competitions. So far I have got 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze”
Class Details
Saturdays 12.00 – 1.15pm
Sundays 2.15 – 3.30pm
Pricing
Saturday classes are free of charge (Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit funding has enabled this for 12 months) and Sunday classes are only £3.
Age Groups targeted
5 – 15 year olds
Average Attendances since funding secured
Class 1: Saturdays: 20
Class 2: Sundays: 25
Demographics
90% of attendees are from Ethnic Minority communities (BAME)
95% of attendees are male and 5% female.
Competitions
The funding has enabled the Club to participate in regular Inter Club events with Nelson Warriors Wrestling Club. Event take place quarterly and are rotated between Nelson and Bury. The prospect of competition participation has boosted attendance levels and created enthusiasm for the Sport.
Use of Funding
Has helped keep the cost of participating in Wrestling very affordable in a deprived local area (IMD 1 for deprivation). We covered the costs of recreational membership with BWA.
Free Wrestling shoes given to 20 young people and Free Wrestling T-Shirts given to 15 young people.
One more level 1 coaching qualification achieved and prospective level 2 coach will soon be qualified.
Competition costs significantly discounted to enable participation.
British Wrestling are wrapping up the final phase of the Together Fund (to evolution of the TIF Fund). This phase has supported 14 clubs with further funds to get more people wrestling.
Our Development Manager, Andreas Michaelas says “we’re delighted to see how much the sport of wrestling has grown and developed from the support given by Sport England through the TIF and Together Fund. We’re excited to see how much more community wrestling can grow and support their local communities”.
Below in the download section, you have access to the complete case study of the TIF Fund completed in partnership with Sports Structures. Further
Any questions about the case study please contact British Wrestling Development Manager at: amichaelas@britishwrestling.org.
