Mixed martial arts club in the fight for Co-op cash boost

A youth mixed martial arts (MMA) club is set to land a funding boost from the Co-op supermarket’s Local Community Fund, writes Hannah O’Hanlon. Core MMA Campbeltown, which was established in October 2019 to help relieve the small town boredom that some youngsters experience by ensuring they remain focused on something positive, is planning to use the funds to upgrade its equipment and facilities to improve the quality and diversity of the training sessions provided.

A club spokesperson said: ‘We invite both families and the public to exhibition events and support fundraising events. We liaise closely with schools and work with them to promote good mental wellbeing, positive pathways, and good community relationships. We encourage good citizenship in our members, and we offer advice on how their behaviour can impact others within their community. The club’s ethos is “respect for all”.’

Alongside charity The Hub - which provides a safe, alcohol-and-drug-free environment seven days and nights a week for young people, young carers and families in South Kintyre and Meadows Under Fives Nursery - which would like to buy iPads to encourage learning in younger members and allow staff to utilise software which would enable easier communication with parents/guardians and family members - Core MMA Campbeltown was chosen by staff at Campbeltown’s Co-op to be the beneficiaries in the current round of funding.

When members shop with the Co-op, one per cent of what they spend on selected Co-op branded products and services goes into the Local Community Fund. Members select the cause to which they want to donate their community rewards online through their membership account or on the Co-op app.

To choose a local cause or to find out more about Coop membership, visit www. coop.co.uk/membership