Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation

How it all began

Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation use the power of sport and the name of Hartlepool United to engender positive change in their local community.

They applied for support towards their ‘Golden Games’ a series of sporting activities for older people and two major golden games events. They applied to the Enriching Later Life Programme which encourages people over 50 years old to lead a more engaged life for their own benefit.

Making a difference

This project featured a mix of regular weekly activity sessions and social activities held both at the stadium and also in outreach settings as well as two large-scale Golden Games events each year, as the focal points for creating awareness and encouraging large numbers of older people in Hartlepool to get active and try out new sports and physical activities in a fun and welcoming environment.

Monthly social events including tea dances, lunch-clubs, health walks and visits to Hartlepool United FC home matches were also be part of the project.

With thanks to you

The grant has made a huge difference to the beneficiaries, all of whom have noted not just physical but social and mental health improvements.. We have received exceptional feedback from both participants and instructors as the end of the project approaches. There is a huge amount in the press at present regarding loneliness in our target age group and this is something that we really wanted to help with.

Phyllis (age 63) said:
As a complete non-dancer prior to these activities I have learned a lot and enjoyed meeting people. The Golden Games strategy is excellent all round! I really hope it can continue please.