DDLS is a local dance team with over 40 young dancers from across Ayrshire. Competing is an amazing opportunity, but costs stop some children taking part. Your vote will help every dancer shine on stage, no matter their background

The Dance Depot Lyrical Squad (DDLS) is part of Tracy Finlay’s Dance Depot in Kilwinning, an inclusive and welcoming dance school offering children and young people aged 8–18 the chance to develop their creativity, confidence, and wellbeing through dance.

DDLS is the competitive branch of the school, with over 40 local dancers proudly representing Ayrshire and Scotland at both national and international competitions. A highlight of the year is performing at the prestigious Blackpool Winter Gardens competition in March 2026, where dancers showcase the dedication, teamwork, and passion they’ve built throughout the season.

However, participation comes with significant costs—such as entry fees (around £80 per dancer for Blackpool), travel, and costumes—that can prevent some children from accessing these opportunities. Many DDLS families live in areas of high deprivation across Ayrshire (Kilwinning, Irvine, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston), where the cost-of-living crisis already makes it difficult to cover extras.

The Youth PB grant of £1,000 would go directly towards covering competition entry fees, ensuring that no dancer is excluded due to financial barriers. This support will help us keep competitive dance open to all young people, no matter their background.

By supporting DDLS, you are helping children and young people to:

• Gain confidence, resilience, and self-belief by performing at a national level.

• Build teamwork and discipline through training and shared goals.

• Experience the pride of representing their community and Scotland on stage.

• Access opportunities equally, regardless of family income.

This project is not just about dance—it’s about ensuring that every child has the same chance to shine, to belong, and to create lifelong memories through the power of community support.

Breakdown of Costs

• Competition entry fees (including Blackpool Winter Gardens 2026, £80 per dancer) – £1,000

Expected Outcomes

• At least 40 young dancers supported to attend competitions without financial barriers.

• Improved health, wellbeing, and confidence through active participation in dance.

• Increased equality of opportunity for young people from deprived areas across Ayrshire.

• Stronger community pride with local dancers representing Ayrshire and Scotland.

We are a club who welcomes every child who has an interest in learning football, we welcome them into a safe environment with syfa qualified coaches to learn about playing football. We train twice a week and play a game in a local league every Sunday as well as getting the team to festivals. Our team is for all kids born in 2017, each parent / guardian pays a monthly fee of £20 which covers there child's insurance, pitch fees/ hire. We supply every child with a game day kit which costs £22 plus a further £15 for a 1/4 zip jacket. We also have to supply all our own equipment, as our team will go to play 7 asidesn next year we have to supply new balls in the next size up. This will come at a cost of £200 for 20 balls, that's barely one for each child. There is also other equipment such has hurdles, training ladders and cones we need to add to our existing equipment. We try to keep the cost down by supplying kits etc for the kids without parents having to worry about it.

We are applying for £1,000 to fund a year of free school celebrations at Pennyburn Primary. These will include seasonal discos, end-of-term events, community celebrations, and our very popular Santa’s Grotto this year featuring Ayrshire’s Number One Santa, ‘Do You Believe in Santa Claus Ayrshire’.

Pennyburn is one of the most deprived areas in North Ayrshire, with several data zones in the top 20% most deprived in Scotland (SIMD 2020). Many families struggle with the cost of living, and high charges for events can cause stress or lead to children missing out. We want to make sure every child can experience the joy of school celebrations, without any financial barrier for parents.

This project will guarantee that all children can enjoy the same positive, magical experiences with their friends, no matter their background. The funding will cover entertainment, decorations, refreshments, and transport. By removing all costs to families, we will deliver a school year of celebrations, helping reduce inequality, boosting wellbeing and confidence, and strengthening community spirit.

Breakdown of costs:

• Event entertainment (DJs, Santa’s Grotto, performers, facilitators) – £500

• Decorations & resources – £200

• Refreshments & snacks – £200

• Transport – £100 Total: £1,000

The young people who use the centre via groups and our youth board were a part of consultations within their groups. One of the common themes was that they'd like to have a space where it would be good to create a fun/comfy area in which they could relax during groups, or have as a chill space during study sessions when exam season comes around. The idea would be to make it a space that young people would want to hang out in, with nice seats/couches, LED lights to create a nice setting, some books that could help with exams or even some new books for the rest of the community to possibly enjoy when the youth groups aren't on. It has also been decided by the young people to be in our glass room. This room is soundproof and has been identified as a good spot, as it provides a quiet space for our neurodiverse young people when they need space. Budget £650 - flux leather couches (x2) £80 - LED Light stands (x2) £150 - additional items to create a welcoming space.  

We want to ensure as many children stay in sport and football as long as possible and have the best facilities and equipment available to ensure the team keeps growing. Our The coaches will continue to work with and support kids in the local community to enjoy sport and be the best they can whilst learning key values like teamwork and respect. 

The team is looking to raise funds to help fund the following;

* New balls/training equipment so there are enough balls the correct size for each player when doing drills in training and different equipment to aid in different training exercises and warm up drills - £10 per ball x 15 = £150 Cones and bibs - £40  total £190

* Cost of pitches and referees (which are required for each game) - approx £500 per season

* Football festival in a different area- £120 per team

* Training packs for each player so everyone has the same kit to wear for training. Approx £61 per pack = 15 x £61 = £915

 

 

 

Due to the tragic events in Irvine during the summer and elsewhere we wish to raise awareness to the consequences of weapon carrying.

The Street Striker Knife Crime Initiative is a community-led project developed by ACES to tackle the growing issue of knife crime among young people in our local area. By combining sport, education, and early intervention, the initiative aims to divert young people away from violence, raise awareness of the devastating consequences of carrying knives, and equip young people with positive pathways for their futures. in effct change lives.

This innovative approach uses street striker and activites to suit those who don't like football as an entry point to engage young people who may otherwise be at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour, or knife-related crime. Alongside Street striker , we will deliver interactive workshops, mentoring, and awareness sessions designed to educate, empower, and inspire

costs 

Item Details Cost (£) Transport fuel for school?youth group visits  £100.00 Urban Signage Banners, posters & street signage £300.00 Support Cards Info cards on knife crime & support services £200 T-shirts 40 branded t-shirts for competitors £300 Total   £900

 

the intiative is mobile and be taken anywhere its needed