Giving to Æß²ÊÖ±²¥sport
Being a part of a sporting club or team is one of the most important and memorable experiences from university. Regardless of the sport, and the level played at, friendships forged within these clubs continued to bind long into adulthood. As well as the obvious physical health benefits of sporting activity it was and is, for many, a crucial component of sound mental health.
We want to ensure the opportunity simply to play, and represent their university is available to all students.
We know, however, many students from low-income backgrounds (a demographic we are proud to be leaders in supporting) are not able to play their chosen sport due to a lack of available funds to buy essential kit: whether this is boots, sticks, uniforms or vital safety equipment. Over 1,400 of our students are from households that are classed as having “no recognised income”; where the £25 or £50 they might need to spend on a new sports bra or boots is simply not available as it must go toward food or heating. Many students would find it humiliating to ask or beg for second hand and old kit from new teammates, meaning Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ loses talented athletes and the athlete loses a key opportunity to improve their lives.
We are helping with small and swiftly accessible grants for essential kit, either direct to the student for personal items like boots and supportive wear, or through clubs for equipment that is more normal to share - like hockey/lacrosse sticks.
What amount will help/are we asking for? 
- £50: gets a new pair of football/rugby boots, or goggles and swimming costume;
- £250: buys elite level equipment for a sport, or travel to a national championship;
- £1000: would fund properly fitting sports bras for 50 young women allowing them to train and play.
We are also interested in partnering with any sporting kit providers, or sporting bodies who might wish to support the cause with donated or discounted kit or equipment. Please contact Thomas.weir@dmu.ac.uk to discuss.