A Co Antrim company has continued its support of Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club with a bumper donation.
Ballyclare homebuilder Hagan Homes has donated more than £8,000 to cover the club's kit costs.
It sees the firm continue its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive to support communities across Northern Ireland.
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This figure is on top of a £6,000 donation the company made towards the team back in 2020 when third-sector clubs and charities struggled to balance funding during the pandemic.
This year, Hagan Homes has already donated over £8,000 to the club, which was used to purchase new kits for all members; from the first XI’s to the mini team players as well as coach and manager kits.
Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club has been operating for over 30 years, catering to all members of the community; from beginners to veterans.
It has a strong association with Ballyclare Rugby Club where its first gravel pitch opened in 1996, but now with hockey being played on more modern surfaces, the club uses Astro pitches at neighbouring Ballyclare High School.
It has aspirations to move back to its former grounds and play on a new astro hockey pitch through its involvement in The Cloughan Project and the creation of a multi facility community sports hub.
Like many charitable organisations and community clubs, Ballyclare Ladies Hockey faced a shortfall in funding during the pandemic as opportunities for fundraising were hit by lockdowns.
Support from sponsorship and grants alongside member fees is necessary to make ends meet due to the high costs of training on astro pitches and the generous sponsorship by Hagan Homes is a lifeline to the club.
Helen White, Club Captain, of Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club, said: “We are very thankful for our ongoing partnership with our generous sponsor, Hagan Homes who, despite having to manoeuvre through the challenges of Covid-19 itself, has continued to support us.
“The money donated so far this year has kitted out all five of our teams, coaches and managers. This generous donation is on top of sponsorship in 2020 to support the high costs of training on astro hockey pitches.
James Hagan has been active in supporting many clubs in the area, including Ballyclare Rugby and Football Club.
The business also sponsored award-winning Jordanstown pole vaulter Ellie McCartney at this year’s Commonwealth Games 2022.
James, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes said: “We do all we can to put the heart into local communities, whether that’s reviving once-vibrant neighbourhoods through new developments or supporting local charities that make a lasting difference to the lives of families around Northern Ireland, giving back is part of our makeup.
“Our business is embedded in the Ballyclare community and like all communities in which we have a presence, we want to build more than bricks.
“Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club has been a social hub for generations of sporting women in the area for over 30 years. We understand the challenges they have been through in recent years and it’s an honour for us to be able to support them as they continue their invaluable contribution to the area.”
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