A charitable trust which helped thousands of girls and women aged under 21 to play golf has been expanded to include boys and young men.
The England Golf Trust has replaced the EWGA Trust and will help young people who, without the support, would not be able to play golf.
The relaunched Trust has been backed by European Tour golfer Robert Rock and BBC presenter Naga Munchetty, who said: “Every time I play I see the effect that the game has on the development of young people’s personal skills, confidence and values.
“Young people are the lifeblood of our golf clubs so helping them to play golf in a fun environment should be encouraged by us all.”
‘The trust offers support to those who genuinely can’t afford to play’ The launch took place at Kings Norton, where the Trust regularly meets, and was attended by scheme beneficiaries.
Lucy Buckley, 11, of Birmingham, had been forced to stop playing golf following the death of her grandmother, who paid for her lessons, but was able to join a club thanks to support from the Trust.
Another beneficiary was Stacey Mitchell, who was assisted in her post graduate studies and now works as regional development officer for the Golf Foundation.Trust chairman Di Horsley said: “It became clear that to make a real difference to young people, we should have a trust supporting both boys and girls.
“The Trust fills a gap by offering help to people who genuinely can’t afford to play, but who love the sport.”
For more information about the England Golf Trust, click here.