Cash for three local clubs with fish4funds initiative

As 75% Say NI Clubs Lack Funding

Three Northern Ireland clubs have each won a £1000 bursary as part of the CompareNI Fish4Funds community initiative. The clubs are based in Ballintoy, Portadown and Enniskillen and cover a range of sports and activities from football and fishing to gardening and community outreach.

The local initiative was set up as part of CompareNI.com’s celebrations – now 15 years helping families in Northern Ireland save money via its price comparison website.  

The Fish4Funds project will support five local clubs or teams in total with a £1000 bursary each, with the first three winners now selected and two more to follow in January.

The first winner, The Ballintoy Young at Heart Club is using the donation to buy plants and replenish flowerbeds in Ballintoy village as well as to support community day trips and outings during the year.

Shaws Angling Club in Armagh were the second lucky group to win, delighted with their bursary, they hope to support women and children who are keen to start fly fishing and will use the donation to create bespoke sessions just for them and support them with equipment – buying rods and tackle to help all those keen to learn.

The third bursary went to Enniskillen Town United football club in County Fermanagh. The club has been established since 1970, working hard to grow football across the local community. The club now has over 100 young footballers who have access to coaching and resources for 46 weeks of the year.  As part of the CompareNI donation, the club is improving its equipment and has just bought some pop up goals to help support training and matches.

Managing Director and savings expert Ian Wilson from CompareNI.com comments: “It’s quite a milestone to be celebrating 15 years of helping families across Northern Ireland find savings and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to provide support for these three important local clubs.

“The cost-of-living crisis has put a strain on all aspects of life and these groups are no exception. It’s never been more important to invest in such a vital part of our communities here in Northern Ireland. These clubs and groups give people somewhere to socialise, learn new skills and support each other.”

The CompareNI Fish4Funds initiative was born after a survey revealed 40% of families here in Northern Ireland are part of a local club or team, with 90% saying they are important for the local community.

However, due to current financial struggles, nearly a quarter of those surveyed, 23%, said they know a club or team impacted or forced to close due to financial pressure – with 75% agreeing these important community initiatives are not getting enough funding and 63% saying they know a local club or team who needs the support. 

Research on local community leaders supports the survey findings, showing that the majority of leaders of community sports groups across Northern Ireland are concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their organisation, with 82% stating they are concerned on this issue for their young people.*

The next two winners will be chosen in January, each will win £1000 to support their team or group –  entries can be made via this short online form – https://www.compareni.com/challengerod.

CompareNI.com helps thousands of families every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials such as home, pet and car insurance.  

References:

*https://sported.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pulse-March-2022-Northern-Ireland.pdf

Survey – CompareNI.com’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 700 respondents across Northern Ireland during May 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.