A Boost for Youth Sport and Community Well-Being
Tonbridge Lions Club has demonstrated its commitment to youth sport and community health by donating funds to launch a brand-new sports hub for local girls aged 11 to 14.
The project, which launched in September, brings together two newly established clubs—Tonbridge Flow Ultimate and Hillview Ultimate Frisbee Club—to create a dedicated, single-sex environment designed to encourage greater participation in sport among teenage girls.
Official Cheque Presentation at Hillview School
On 8 October, Immediate Past President Lion Phil Jesson visited Hillview School for Girls in Tonbridge to present a cheque on behalf of Tonbridge Lions. Accepting the donation were Paul Unwin, Treasurer and Coach of Tonbridge Flow Ultimate, Coach Jess Thompson, Hilary Burkett, Headteacher of Hillview School, and enthusiastic students from Years 7 to 9 who are set to benefit directly.
Empowering Girls Through Team Sport
Keeping Teenagers Active and Engaged
The new initiative aims to broaden access to physical activity, boost long-term health outcomes, and offer an exciting, non-contact alternative to traditional sports. Beyond physical fitness, a key goal of the programme is to keep girls active through their teenage years while empowering women to develop leadership and coaching roles. To help foster a positive, supportive environment, all training sessions will be led by female coaches.
What is Ultimate Frisbee?
Ultimate Frisbee—often referred to simply as Ultimate—is a fast-paced team sport played with a flying disc. Combining the non-stop movement of football with the quick-passing strategy of netball, teams score points by completing passes into an end zone. A hallmark of the sport is that it is self-refereed, relying on a strict code of conduct known as the “Spirit of the Game.”
Strong Community & School Partnerships
Free Facilities and New Equipment
Hillview School for Girls has played an instrumental role in bringing the hub to life by providing free and exclusive access to its playing fields, as well as its sports hall for after-school sessions during the winter months.
The generous funding from Tonbridge Lions Club will go directly towards essential kit and training gear. This includes 30 customized female-fit training jerseys bearing the Tonbridge Lions Club logo, 30 youth training discs, heavy-duty kit bags, disc carriers, marker cones, and agility equipment.
A Lasting Impact for Tonbridge
Speaking about the project, Lion Phil Jesson said:
“This is an inspiring initiative that will provide girls with opportunities to participate in sport, develop confidence and build lasting friendships. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by the coaches, school staff and supporters is truly impressive, and Tonbridge Lions Club is proud to play a part in helping the programme grow and succeed.”
Tonbridge Lions Club expressed confidence that this innovative collaboration between Hillview School and local sports clubs will deliver a lasting positive impact for young people across Tonbridge and the surrounding area.
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