BIRKENHEAD-BASED rugby team, Anselmians RUFC U10s is being awarded a £500 grant as part of a competition from Liverpool ONE and The Guide Liverpool.

The initiative launched during Summer of Sport at Liverpool ONE, when the world focused their attention on sports at the highest level, coincided with Chavasse Park turning into an official Team GB and Paralympics GB Fan Zone.

As part of the competition, grassroots sports clubs across the region had the chance to apply for funding, with a total of six groups being awarded £500 each to support with items such as kit and equipment.

Anselmians U10s’ Ian Murray started coaching the team at the U6 age group after his youngest son became interested in rugby. When his daughter asked if she could play too, she joined the team which is now a thriving mix of boys and girls.

He said: “We are so delighted to have won a sporting grant. Due to RFU rules, the boys and girls will have to separate soon, so we will use the money to develop the transition to separate codes by investing in kit, training and professional match day experiences so that the girls team will continue to thrive.”

Anselmians RUFC U10s are one of six winners of the £500 grant, along with Huyton Swimming Club; LIPA Primary Girls FC; Mossley Hill Girls U9; Sefton Park Cricket Club – Women and Girls Section and Tigers Cheerleading from Maghull

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support our local community, and the grassroots sports clubs within it.

“We were pleased with the overwhelming response to this competition from clubs and teams. A huge congratulations to our winners, who demonstrate the wonderful array of young talent across the region and thank you to all who entered.

“We have heard some truly incredible stories of sporting organisations of all sizes and we’re incredibly proud to collaborate with The Guide Liverpool and be able to award our six winners with grants that they can use to help fund their future and hone new talent.”

Jay Hynd, Director and Presenter at The Guide Liverpool, said: “All of the brilliant clubs and teams that entered this competition have further proven just how many rising sports stars are right here in Liverpool!

“We at The Guide Liverpool are so happy to have been able to join forces with Liverpool ONE to recognise and support them with this competition.”