Over £1.5m awarded by WNST in Brent

The Wembley National Stadium Trust (WNST) has been celebrating their latest round of grant awards for local sports activities in Brent.

A reception held at Wembley Stadium saw the total given by the stadium’s charity in the borough to more than £1.5million.

The event was attended by 35 local organisations who received grants totalling some £192,360, with sports as varied as sailing, basketball, athletics, tennis and football represented – showing just what variety of activities there are for local people to enjoy.

Since 2012, WNST has helped 150 local charities, clubs and schools to increase the amount of sport played locally and to help ensure that sessions are affordable and accessible for all.

Mayor of Brent Cllr Parvez Ahmed attended the event, along with the WNST Chairman, Lord Toby Harris, who paid tribute to the tireless of work of local volunteers.

Lord Harris said: “Without the contribution of so many local volunteers, clubs would simply not exist for us to support.

“Your work as the coaches, referees, drivers, treasurers, refreshment providers and many others besides, is the lifeblood of community sport.

“And we thank you so much for everything you do.”

Roger Day, competition secretary at Kingsbury Bowls Club, who were one of the beneficiaries of a grant, added: “Ours is a small, friendly, local club – finding money is always difficult, so this grant will make the world of difference.

“We can renew some of our worn-out kit and buy additional equipment to make life easier for our older players. Thank you so much.”