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.

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 approximate 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.

We started up our team with a small group of kids and a few parent volunteers who agreed to become novice football coaches. 

Since then, our team has expanded in popularity and we now have a small army of 21 boys and girls who train twice a week and play games in the local Ayrshire Youth Football League at weekends. Our team promotes health, wellbeing and fitness for all players- they practice hard and this gives them the chance to lead healthy and active lives, encourage friendships and alleviate social isolation.

Our team is ably assisted by a band of volunteer parents who help out in all weathers whether coaching, providing transport to games, setting up equipment, cheering loudly, chasing balls, administering first aid, manning a coffee and tea stall at games, or anything else required!

As with many such local groups, funding is always a significant issue. We have always tried to keep the fees for parents as low as possible and we have been grateful so far to have the support of some kind local business owners who have helped out with the costs of match-day and training kits as well as equipment such as footballs. We have had to increase our fees for parents recently due to increases in our costs.

A large part of the income from fees is spent on training and match day facilities as well as replacing balls etc.  which doesn’t leave much extra to spend on gear for the kids. 

We are hoping to get funding to cover the cost of waterproof duffel bags for all of our players to transport their jackets, boots and gear to training and games. The west coast of Scotland isn’t known for being the most forgiving places for wet weather especially in winter.  At the moment, players' gear is kept at the side of the pitch and can get muddy and wet in the rain. 

The ideal bag we have identified is the Nike Academy Team Duffel Bag (black/red), which is durable and good quality. We would be looking to get 21 large sizes @ £29.99 (£629.79).  With added player initials and team badge stitching, the total cost will be £761. 

Any help you were able to offer with this would be hugely appreciated by all of the kids and our volunteers. 

TASS Thistle Blues project aims to support the health, wellbeing, and personal development of youngsters aged 14–15 through access to quality training gear and a structured team-building activity. We are seeking funding to contribute 50% towards the cost of training equipment for our players, ensuring every participant has the resources needed to engage fully in training sessions, regardless of financial circumstances. Access to the right gear not only enhances safety and performance but also builds confidence and a sense of pride in representing their team.

In addition, we are requesting support to take the group on a dedicated team-building activity designed to promote resilience, communication, and positive mental health. This experience will provide the boys with opportunities to strengthen friendships, develop leadership skills, and explore strategies for managing stress, both on and off the field.

Our focus is on creating a supportive environment where these youngsters can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. With your contribution, we can reduce barriers to participation, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and nurture the next generation with the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance. This project is an investment in their wellbeing and their future.

Costs required: 

• Training Kit for 19 Youths = £931.16 / 50% = £465.58
• Team Building Day for 19 Youths (£25 x 19) = £475.00 

Total required: £940.58

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. 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

* 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

Attending the Isle of Arran Music School’s Summer School for Pipe Band offers a wealth of benefits for students at every stage, from beginners to seasoned performance band members. For new starters, the summer school provides an immersive, supportive environment to develop foundational skills in piping and drumming, allowing them to learn at their own pace while being inspired by more experienced peers. Intermediate and performance band members benefit from focused workshops that refine their technique, enhance ensemble playing, and prepare them for competitions and public performances, helping to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

The summer school also fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Students form lasting friendships and learn the importance of collaboration, discipline, and mutual support—skills that are transferable beyond music into academic and personal life. The opportunity to perform at community events and competitions further boosts self-esteem and provides real-world experience.

For music leaders and advanced students who teach younger participants, the experience is equally rewarding. Acting as mentors, they develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills, often working towards formal qualifications such as the SQA Music Leadership Award. This not only strengthens their own musical understanding but also instills a sense of responsibility and pride as they contribute to the next generation’s musical journey.

Costs

Tutors- £3000

Accomadation £800

Lunch £500

Transport £200

Hall Hire £600

The project was started in 2018 with over 100 children being taught prior to Covid. Unfortunately following Covid, our numbers dropped significantly and we are now on a journey to rebuild. We are now based at Geilsland Estate with Beith Trust, reaching out to over 60 plus children within and the Garnock Valley. During the summer we held our Wee Pipers in the Park where 28 children learned to play the chanters and drums over 4 days. This was a combination of fun activities and learning through our tutors, volunteer tutors, volunteers and helpers. At the end the week they put on small showcase which was truly amazing considering the short time they had been learning (short video attached) .

Thanks to Creative Scotland we have after school tuition delivered by two tutors and two apprentice tutors from 4 to 6 pm on a Monday afternoon. We also teach children in the primary schools in Dalry thanks to funding from Dalry Parish Boundary Trust. Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust have also helped with funding with in school tution. Last school session, we ran 4 week taster block sessions at most of the Primary Schools within the Garnock Valley which was very well recieved and created much interest in learning the bagpipes and drums. As we continue our journey, we are starting weekend tuition which will bring many of the children together to start forming a band.

Our project brings children together helping their confidence, improve their self esteem, improved mental health , giving them a sense of belonging, building friendships, working as a team and most of all, enjoying the experince of learning the drums and bagpipes. At a recent event in Dalry three of our youngsters, one P7 and two from S1, played together in front of the public which they throroughly enjoyed

After school sessions we have three skill groups, beginners, intermediates and more advanced. This is very rewarding, have received much praise from the CEO of the SSPDT and the Scottish Children's Lottery for the way we ensure children have the opportunity to develop new musical skills.

 If we were fortunate to secure funding it would be used to purchase new equipment . Some of our drummers are nearly ready to move from drum pads to snare drums. If we were able to purchase small harnesses for our snare drums it would be a great step forward for our new drummers. Being able to play the snare drum would be a huge uplift for them .  If we could purchase two harnesses that they could share, would help the development of the program hugely. A small harness would cost £333 each. If we could purchase 2 would be £666.

To meet the demand for new learners we also need drum pads and drum sticks and also chanters. Drum pads and sticks cost £40.99 and would like to apply for 5 which would be £204.95 while chanters cost £43 and would like to apply for 5 which would cost £215. Total cost for drum pads, sticks and chanters £419.95

As our numbers increase new equipment ensures that we can continue to enhance the program for as many young people within the Garnock Valley.  

The Media Studio is a creative hub for young people, offering workshops in film-making, animation, and social media. Our mission is to support young people to develop digital skills, creativity, and confidence that will help them in education, future employment, and personal development. Through our workshops, participants learn practical, hands-on skills while exploring storytelling, teamwork, and self-expression in a safe and supportive environment.

Currently, the Media Studio does not have any laptops, which severely limits the workshops we can run. Many of the activities we want to offer — such as video editing, animation projects, and social media content creation — rely on up-to-date digital technology. Without access to laptops, young people are unable to engage fully with these opportunities, and we are unable to deliver the sessions we know could have a meaningful impact on their skills and confidence.

We are applying for £1,000 to purchase three modern laptops These laptops will provide the capability needed to run workshops efficiently and effectively. With reliable equipment, young people will be able to learn video editing, create animations, design digital content, and develop social media projects — skills that are increasingly relevant in today’s digital world. The laptops will also allow us to explore collaborative projects, where participants work in small groups to produce creative work, building teamwork and communication skills alongside technical ability.

Breakdown of Costs

Three laptops Lenovo IdeaPad 1 | 15 inch Full HD Laptop | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Home in S monde | Cloud Grey  at £329 each: £987

We are the Junior section of Garnock Rugby Club.  We deliver rugby training to over 100 young people within the Garock Valley, and the wider community.  We strive to keep rugby as affordable as possible to young people while providing opportunties to promote health and wellbeing through physical activity.  Rugby is not just about physical activity and exercise, the young people develop so many more skills that can be transferrable in many siutations for the rest of their lives.  Skills they develop includes communication, teamwork, problem solving, negotiating, as well as increase in confidence and ability.  It has been proven that physical activity in turn can promote positive mental health, and we want to target this from a young age.  We would like to apply for funding to purchase equipment.  New equipment ensures the young people are kept active, challenged and that they continue to attend as they enjoy the sport.  New equipment could include balls, target practices, tackling bags, cones and any ideas that the young people have. 

We'd also like to provide healthy, low-cost snacks and food to our junior players and their opponents.  Providing food options after games will ensure equal access to free food for all.  We understand the food poverty and financial restraints that parents have and in challenging times, and this would ensure everyone was included.  Having food available would increase a strong sense of community, creating a shared space where players, coaches and supporters can come together to unwind, reflect and connect - which promotes mental wellbeing.  At Garnock, we pride ourselves in providing a low-cost physical activity and funding would allow us to continue this.

We ensure that the young people are involved in any funding process by checking in with their needs, wants and wishes.  By seeking funding we are able to keep our membership costs as low as possible, which ensures costs are not restrictive in young people being involved in sport.

Costs

£500 - various sports equipment that the young people are involved in buying 

£500 - to provide healthy snacks and food after games for the young people and their opponents.