A netball team had a week to remember when scooping North East Community Club of the Year at the England Netball awards, hours after raising hundreds at a greyhound fundraiser.
Shields Avengers was recognised for its outstanding contribution to the community when receiving the award which coincided with the club’s first Fund-Racer at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium.
Scores of youngsters and their parents travelled trackside after the Newcastle Road venue donated 100 tickets free of charge to the club to sell within its network. Profits generated from ticket sales were retained by the club and will be used to fund kit purchases for its two senior teams and junior training sessions.
In total, £816 was raised on the night by the club whose membership base spans people aged six to 58.
Ashleigh Elliott, Chairman and Coach at Shields Avengers, said the fundraiser-award double will live long in her memory.
“It was an amazing weekend,” said Ashleigh. “We’re only a small club, so to be recognised for our work in the South Shields community makes me feel very proud.
“A lot of the group had never been greyhound racing before, and we enjoyed a wonderful night out.
“The children loved meeting the greyhounds and giving them a fuss, while our senior players and parents had a great time trackside too – all while raising important funds to help deliver our work.
“Funds like these are invaluable to clubs which are run by volunteers. It will help make a real difference, and we’ll definitely be going back trackside again in the future for another Fund-Racer.”
Shields Avengers weren’t the only not-for-profit cause to take part in Sunderland Stadium’s most recent Fund-Racer.
Seaham Red Star, More Than Grandparents, I’m In For Will and Boldon CA FC also received 100 free tickets from the track with funds generated from sales retained by each cause to help fund a particular project or scheme.
Launched in 2024, Sunderland’s Fund-Racer scheme works by inviting not-for-profit causes to enjoy a night trackside while raising money by selling up to 100 tickets to members, family and friends.
Joanne Wilson, General Manager at Sunderland Stadium, added: “We’re so pleased Shields Avengers have been recognised for their great work in the community.
“It was a pleasure to meet the team and its members at our most recent Fund-Racer event which helped raise thousands for multiple causes which do great things locally.
“The Fund-Racer is open to all not-for-profit organisations, so anyone wishing to get involved in our next event is welcome to contact the stadium direct for more details.”
Further information about Sunderland Stadium and its Fund-Racer events is available online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk.
