Two Hitchin community groups have been given a welcome funding boost following recommendations from the latest Hitchin Community Forum at North Herts Council.

Hitchin Belles Football Club and Green Care at Norton CIC have each been awarded grants to help strengthen their work supporting local people — both on and off the pitch.

Hitchin Belles FC received £1,803 to deliver training and workshops for their volunteers and coaches. The club — now the largest grassroots girls' football club in the country — recently launched a wellbeing team to support nearly 300 Hitchin-based players.

The new funding will help provide specialist training on menstrual health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, injury prevention and resilience in teens, ensuring coaches can support players holistically.

Genevieve Hallam, Wellbeing Lead at Hitchin Belles, said:

"We're delighted to receive a community grant from North Herts Council. This funding will enable our coaches to develop skills that go far beyond the technical side of football and foster an environment that stretches our players to reach their full potential. Volunteers will be trained to create an inclusive coaching environment that embraces neurodiversity, builds resilience in our young players, and uses training strategies specifically designed for female athletes. We want every girl and woman to feel more powerful on and off the pitch for having been part of Hitchin Belles FC."

Meanwhile, Green Care at Norton CIC has been awarded £945 to purchase growing materials and equipment to expand their fruit and vegetable production at Standalone Farm for Hitchin Pantry.

The not-for-profit organisation supports adults facing loneliness, unemployment, or social exclusion through therapeutic horticulture. Their fresh, locally grown produce now supplies Hitchin Pantry, helping make fruit and vegetables more affordable for families across the town.

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Ray Wilson, Director at Green Care at Norton, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to receive our award and truly appreciate the financial support from North Herts Council. This support has helped improve the lives and wellbeing of so many local people over the past six years and continues to do so."

Cllr Daniel Allen, Leader of North Herts Council and Executive Member for Governance, added:

"It's brilliant to see the wide range of ways that our grants can support local groups – from boosting the wellbeing of young footballers to providing fresh, affordable produce for families. Both Hitchin Belles and Green Care at Norton make a real difference in our community, and we're proud to back their work."

Residents and local groups can find out more about applying for community grants at north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/grants.