Darlington Steam Academy of American Football is celebrating a transformative milestone today after being awarded £14,610 in National Lottery funding from Sport England.
This significant grant is set to revolutionise the Academy’s reach, specifically targeting the removal of financial barriers to sport within the most deprived areas of the Darlington community. The investment ensures that passion and talent—not the size of a player’s wallet—dictate who gets to take the field.
More Than Just Kit: Breaking Down Barriers
While the five-figure sum is impressive, the Academy is quick to point out that the real value lies in what it provides for local athletes. The funding is being injected directly into the heart of the Academy’s programmes, providing:
- 20 Sets of Brand-New Protection: New helmets and shoulder pads will allow twenty additional players to compete safely without the burden of purchasing expensive personal equipment.
- Elite Training Resources: An upgrade to the club’s toolkit, including new tackle pads, blocking shields, and specialised drills gear.
- Investing in People: A vital portion of the grant is dedicated to qualifying new coaches, ensuring the Academy has the mentored, professional staff needed to support a huge expected influx of new players.
A Stronger Future for Darlington
Lee Kelly, Chairman at Darlington Steam, is thrilled to have secured the support:
“This is a massive milestone for our club. It’s about so much more than just a cheque—it’s about opening the doors of American Football to everyone in our community. Combined with our recent funding from Point North, this puts the Steam in its strongest position yet.
We are building a supportive, inclusive community right here in Darlington. We are also incredibly grateful to National Lottery players; we wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
The “Steam Train” is officially picking up speed, and the Academy is eager to welcome new faces to the gridiron, regardless of their financial background.
Notes to Editors
Media Contact: For more details about the project or interview requests, please contact Lee Kelly at [email protected].
About Darlington Steam Academy Darlington Steam is a community-focused American Football academy dedicated to fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. By providing equipment and elite coaching, the club ensures the sport remains accessible to all residents of Darlington and the surrounding areas.
About National Lottery National Lottery players raise £30m every week for good causes, funding arts, heritage, sports, voluntary and charity projects around the UK. For more information, visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.
About Sport England Sport England is a public body that invests up to £300 million of National Lottery and government money each year into projects that help people get active. Their work focuses on helping groups who are typically less active, including people on lower incomes and those in under-represented communities. www.sportengland.org.
