Football club's foundation launches funding project

The New Saints Foundation has announced the launch of a new £20,000 funding programme for local schools.

The programme, by the charitable arm of the Oswestry-based Welsh Premier League Champions, is being funded by The Venue at Park Hall and from a generous donation from entrepreneur Mike Harris who is also chairman of the football club.

It will help schools to enhance their budgets with additional revenue and access resources to meet government targets for healthy eating and living as well as increasing participation in sports.

Helen Harris, a trustee of the TNS Foundation, said: "We are pleased to be administering this programme on behalf of the New Saints Football Club and its commercial partners will be a major benefit to local schools seeking to provide the best possible education.

"It will enable the foundation to deliver pupil participation in a wide range of campaigns whilst delivering much needed additional funding to schools. It is a win-win situation for everyone."

Schools that are selected will take a share of the initial funding, which could grow to more than £100,000 depending on the level of participation. Participating schools will also have privileged access to the resources of the TNS Foundation which carries out a wide range of community initiatives at no charge including healthy eating programmes, after-school clubs, sports coaching sessions, general fitness and lifestyle programmes and more.

Ian Williams of The Venue said: "As a local business we are delighted to be the first partner for this innovative programme by the TNS Foundation which works so hard in support of the community.

"As well as contributing towards the funding, we will be working closely with the Foundation team throughout the 2014/15 school year to ensure the success of this programme."

Mr Harris said: "I am pleased to see initiatives such as this where the TNS Foundation engages with local businesses to benefit the local community.

"This money will make its way directly to local schools where it can have a real impact on enhancing the education provided to our young people."