To reinforce the school visits, Irvine Burns Club produce a workbook for each attending pupil, the stock of which require to be replenished.

For the verse speaking event, funding is sought to provide trophies for the pupils representing their schools by performing their chosen poem in three categories, Primaries 1-3, Primaries 4-5 and Primaries 6-7.

Those nominated by their schools are also eligible to compete in the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs’ Schools’ Competition held later in the year.

There are 12 Primary Schools in the Irvine Area, and it is hoped that, again, all would participate.

We seek funding towards the re-printing costs of the workbooks, £1000, and the purchase of 39 trophies at a cost of £800, a total of £1800. However, only £1000 is being requested towards this cost.

2026 marks a 200-year unbroken history since Irvine Burns Club was founded in 1826.

In promoting the works of Burns and his significant links with Irvine, annual we host visits to the museum and a verse speaking event for primary school pupils. We also welcome other groups and individuals who wish a tour of the building and to view the treasures we hold.

In partnership with NAC and other organisations we developed several initiatives in the town including the Herbour Dauner.

Since moving to 11s, game time is longer and the pitch size is bigger meaning that our weekly costs have risen.  This last year we are constantly coming up against financial barriers due to the rising costs of hiring pitches, referee costs, coaches training certificates and equipment.

The team have recently raised funding via sponsorship from local businesses and parental contribution to get new strips for the start of the season as the boys had all outgrown their kit.  All funding raised paid for the new kits for the boys. 

We are seeking funding to purchase new training kits, this will be shorts, tops and socks.  Funding is all sought for new equipment of balls, cones and training poles.  Having all the boys in the same kit promotes inclusion and uniformity. 

We seek this funding to ease the financial pressure on parents/carers who already contribute monthly to the team. 

Breakdown of costs;

16 training strips (shorts, top, socks) x £50.00        £800.00

Equipment (balls, cones, training poles)                    £200.00

20 cadet x £35 = £700

5 volunteer staff x £35 = £175

Fuel Cost approx £150 - we have our on mini bus for travelling

25 x £10 per head for meal =£250

Total cost of Project = £1275

The main programme, called GAINZ, for 11 - 15-year olds was created with close links and communication with young people, parents and those working with young people.  We listened as young people explained how isolated they felt with their mental health, how they didn't understand how or why they were feeling that way, etc.  We also heard as they spoke about things that they like to do to be active.  What we learnt was that, as we would’ve guessed; they all like something different.  So, we developed a gym programme with vast variety allowing young people to try what they enjoy and challenge them to take part in what is not their ‘favourite’. 

We are applying to the Participate Budget for help contributing to the trips for two group programmes.  We planned an indoor and outdoor activity based on young people’s feedback.  And the feedback from both activities is always excellent, giving young people a chance to step out their comfort zone and put in place the coping strategies we explore during the programme.

One trip is to TreeTop Trails which will cost us £498 per group for high ropes and crate climbing.  The second trip will be to Above Adventure which will cost £150 per group.  Therefore, total cost for 2 groups for 2 trips comes to £1,296.

These trips are crucially important to the programme as these types of trips can be a very anxious experience for those we support. This then gives them a safe and supported environment to practice the skills they learn through the mental health workshops.

We are looking to do coaching in 8 primary and secondary schools over the winter months. We are kooking to spend 7 hours per school and get involved with 7 of them. This will involve lunch time or after school sessions, school visits to talk about the sport, do live sessions with them to try and obtain at least 5 girls per school would be our targets. This would involve an introduction to cricket, showing them the 3 parts to the game, batting, fielding, bowling breaking these down to allow the girls to pick up at least one of these skills and get their interest up. There will be drills, games and 1: 1 coaching to assist in this project. The costs to run these sessions will be £18.50 an hour for the 49 hours. This will include a mileage allowance, all equipment.