Representatives from 27 sports clubs across Oswestry attended a workshop aimed at boosting volunteering and funding.

The event, organised by Oswestry Sports Forum, was held at Oswestry Rugby Club on Monday, November 11.

More than 40 people attended the workshop, titled 'Growing Sports Clubs through Increased Volunteering and Funding.'

Clive Knight, the master of ceremonies for the evening, said: "To have this level of response from our local and diverse sports clubs was so encouraging, and to help and listen to their desire to grow their clubs for members and the local community through additional volunteers and funding.

"Without sufficient volunteers, clubs do not have a fully functioning 'engine room' and cannot easily look forward, whilst without funding support, it is difficult to try out new activities which will help retain and attract new members.

"Young people are our members and volunteers of the future, so steps need to be taken by our clubs to listen to their views and form junior working groups wherever possible, where they can develop their skills and help their clubs move forward positively."

The evening featured key speakers including Amy Griffiths, the empowering communities manager at Energize Shropshire, Corrie Davies, project development officer at Oswestry Town Council, and Carole Moreton, funding and grants team lead at Community Resource.

After the presentations, participants split into discussion groups focusing on volunteering, funding, and the formation of young people's working groups.

The meeting was concluded by Susie Hancock, secretary of Oswestry Sports Forum. 

Clubs interested in joining the Oswestry Sports Forum can do so for £10 per annum and can access a membership form by visiting the Oswestry Games website: http://www.oswestrygames.co.uk/.