Displaying loader icon image
Displaying masthead oval background image

A grant of £5,000 will support the Vista Twisters Cheer Programme for children in Folkestone and Hythe

A Kent Community Foundation grant of £5,000 will allow Vista Twisters to purchase five large floor rolls to launch indoor cheerleading activities at Folkestone Sports Centre. One of only three cheer leading programmes in Kent, Vista Twisters, who currently offer cheer leading in schools in Ashford and Dover will extend their reach by opening in Folkestone & Hythe.

Cheerleading is rapidly increasing in popularity as it engages children in physical activity, provides a group environment developing social skills and togetherness, develops organisational skills and leadership within a supportive team context, improves physical and mental health, builds self-esteem and confidence and offers a supportive social environment.

Ruth McDade Clapson Programme Director for the Twisters said, “We know there is a significant demand for cheerleading and this grant from Kent Community Foundation will open huge opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport and for Vista Twisters to work closer with schools in Folkestone & Hythe. We currently deliver sessions in schools in Ashford and Dover and applied for financial help to launch new classes in Folkestone & Hythe. Setting up a satellite section of our club will provide Folkestone & Hythe with a new sporting opportunity for children and young people to participate in sport and for our club to work closely with schools to ultimately produce world class athletes.”

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said “Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the World. The UK now has over 400 clubs and in 2020 cheerleading was recognised as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. We were delighted to support the application from Vista Twisters to introduce cheerleading to Folkestone & Hythe and ensure more young people across the county can access this popular activity.

Sign up to our funding alert to receive the latest news about funding.

Apply for funding here.

MASSIVE 'thank you ' to everyone at Kent Community Foundation. Your funding support is HUGELY appreciated and has enabled us to get into the heart of local communities with REAL, affordable, healthy and tasty food that does so much more than feed people.

Community chef Mike Spackman, Sheppey Matters

KCF's enthusiasm for what we are doing and hoping to do, coupled with helpful advice, gave us the confidence to take this daunting step which has paid off.

Liz Turner, Octopus Foundation

It's great having a foundation that empowers organisations and charities in our community to make real positive differences and changes!

Tom, MMK Mind