A trio of Swindon pubs are doing their bit to help fund local sports clubs.
Greene King venues The Merlin in Drove Road, The Messenger in Covingham Drive and The Harvey in West Swindon are taking part in the company's Proud to Pitch In initiative.
The firm explains on its website: "After a tough time recently, we’re stepping in to give something back to the grassroots sports clubs we love.
"Proud To Pitch In is an initiative from Greene King IPA, paying cash grants to grassroots and community sports clubs across the United Kingdom."
For every pint of IPA sold at participating pubs, Greene King will add 10p to its fund supporting local clubs from the ground up, providing them with the tools they need to continue to play the sport they love.
From football, rugby and cricket to roller hockey or netball, the company says it wants to support as many local teams across the UK as it can with donations.
Proud to Pitch In will see Greene King pledge £100,000 worth of grants in their first round of funding to local sports clubs before the end of January 2022, with additional funding to be made available in the New Year. Beneficiaries of the Proud To Pitch In fund will receive a grant up to £3,000 each.
To support the scheme, Greene King has teamed up with former rugby union player James Haskell, who joins as Proud To Pitch In’s first ambassador. James began his distinguished rugby career at Maidenhead Rugby club – so knows first-hand how local sports clubs can have a profound impact on the top of the sporting pyramid.
James said: “Local clubs are an essential part of the sporting landscape here in the UK. They’re the best place to spot future talent, and what’s more, they have a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing in the local community.
“I’ve seen first-hand how many clubs are struggling with funding, especially following the challenges of COVID-19. The Proud To Pitch In Scheme is an incredible opportunity for clubs right across the UK to bring in the cash they need, with no strings attached.”
A new report by Greene King has revealed that 84 percent of British people believe grassroots sports are beneficial to local communities.
The study, commissioned to support Proud To Pitch In, revealed the top benefits of grassroots sport to be meeting new people and getting people out of their homes.
Other important benefits highlighted included improving wellbeing and garnering a sense of community spirit.
Will Hemmings, Greene King Brewing and Brands Marketing Director said: “Here at Greene King, we know just how important local sport is to our communities, and how our pubs are so often the meeting place of choice for a post-match pint. We’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure grass roots sports can flourish not just for the physical benefits, but for the community spirit it delivers.
“Our Proud To Pitch In scheme isn’t a one off campaign, it’s a continuous pledge from Greene King to the thousands of clubs across the UK. We’re here to support you, right through 2022 and beyond to make sure community sport gets the backing it sorely needs, especially if your local team has struggled to secure funds in recent months.”
To support Proud To Pitch In, people should head to one of the participating sites and buy a pint of Greene King IPA.
Local sports clubs wanting to find out more should visit https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/proud-to-pitch-in/
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article