NOW Group in Belfast Trains in Style with New Sponsored Kit from Community Finance Ireland

The NOW Group in Belfast has become the latest recipient of Community Finance Ireland’s (CFI) Community Fit Giveaway, receiving a sponsored training kit worth £1,000.

The initiative, launched by CFI in late 2024, aims to support grassroots sports clubs across Ireland, reinforcing the essential role they play in their communities.

Each quarter, the scheme awards £/€1,000 to two clubs across Ireland to fund training gear.

At a special presentation, representatives from the NOW Group including the organisation's Skills & Outreach Officer JP Agnew and Office Manager Cathy Preston gathered alongside the NOW Group Football Club to receive the equipment from CFI’s Head of Community Finance for Northern Ireland, Phelim Sharvin.

The NOW Group Football Team is an initiative by NOW Group, a social enterprise that works with people and businesses across the island of Ireland. They help people who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have learning difficulties by supporting them into jobs with a future. The Football Team aims to promote inclusion through sport, the team participates in specialised tournaments, such as the George Best IFA Inclusion Cup. 

Additionally, it is a platform to help improve physical help, but also acts to harness skill development such as teamwork, confidence, and social skills.

The NOW Group's Skills & Outreach Officer JP Agnew, who submitted the team to the draw, expressed his excitement about the impact of the giveaway: “It was a pleasure to nominate for this award. The new kit they have received as a result of the Community Fit Giveaway will make a huge difference to a project that is doing fantastic work in providing opportunities for people with autism and learning difficulties. Through sport they have been able to come together to share their love of sport, while also increasing their confidence and social skills off the pitch. A huge thank you to Phelim and Community Finance Ireland.”

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance for Northern Ireland who presented the team with the new kit reiterated CFI’s dedication to investing in local sports initiatives: “At Community Finance Ireland, we believe that sport is a powerful driver of social inclusion and community development. The NOW Group Football Team is a prime example of a grassroots club showcasing community spirit, hard work and dedication. I was thrilled to be able to visit them and present the young players with their new kit.”

The Community Fit Giveaway has already made a tangible difference to local clubs, with Ballymoney Ladies’ Hockey Club, St. Patrick's Football Club, Richhill AFC and St. Genevieve's High School in Northern Ireland, together with Tulsk Camogie Club, Brian Boru's Ladies' Football Club, Aileach AFC and Castletown GAA in the Republic of Ireland being successfully awarded the giveaway since its launch. The clubs have had items such as jerseys, training gear, sponsored kit bags and all-weather jackets funded, ensuring their players are well-equipped throughout the season.

For grassroots clubs looking to benefit from this initiative, Community Finance Ireland encourages applications through their mailing list. If your sports team could use support, sign up today by visiting www.communityfinanceireland.com to be in with a chance to receive the next Community Fit Giveaway award.

To learn more about the NOW Group, visit https://www.nowgroup.org/