Sporting projects across the town have been given a cash boost.

Sporting projects across the town have been given a cash boost.

At a special ceremony held last week at the Tow Hall, Team Ipswich and partners Free Rein showed their commitment to town sports by funding more sporting organisations.

Grants worth a total of �3,345 were awarded to 11 organisations across the town as part of the Team Ipswich and Free Rein Sports Revenue grant programme.

Each grant ranged from �100 to �500 for the purpose of improving sports provision in new or extended activites.

Sporting organisations in and around Ipswich were asked to bid for funding and winning projects were assessed according to the ability to increase participation in the sport, target different demographic audiences and the ability to engage with the community. Councillor Judy Terry, Ipswich Borough Council's Arts, Culture & Leisure portfolio holder, said: “It is rewarding to see how small amounts of funding can make a big difference to assisting Ipswich in becoming the most active town in the East of England. Ipswich has so many talented young people and we're very lucky to have to amount of volunteers we do in the town.”

During the evening ceremony Ipswich Cheerleading, Ipswich Diamonds Majorettes and Fynn Valley Golf Club provided demonstrations and 'have a go' opportunities those who attended.

The granted money is expected to help pay for new equipment, coaching and education courses or facility hire.

It is estimated that over 650 people in the community will benefit from this year's grants, which will pay for 12 newly qualified coaches, and attract more than 390 new members in a range of sports and activities.

Funded projects:

Fynn Valley GC - Beacon Hill School Coaching Grant - �300

Ipswich Diamonds Majorettes -Twirling - �500

Ipswich Saints Football Club -�450

Ipswich Cheerleading Club - Coach Extension Programme - �500

St John's URC Tennis Club -Junior Section 2010 Expansion Proposals - �500

Orwell Panthers -Coaching Programme - �500

Ipswich Bicycle Club -Coaching Team Development - �295

Suffolk Coastal Petanque Alliance -Boules in the Park 2010 - �100

Suffolk Badminton Academy -Weight Jacket - �200