<p>As a new youth team we would like to supply all boys with a kit to match the whole team and cover the cost of playing at all weather pitches positively impacting the cost of living for our families.</p>

<p><strong>The link between exercise and mental health is complicated. Inactivity can be both a cause and a consequence of mental illness, for example. But there are lots of ways that exercise can benefit your mental health, such as:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, change when you exercise.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Regular exercise can help you sleep better. And&nbsp;<a data-print-url="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Mood-and-sleep" href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Mood-and-sleep">good sleep helps you manage your mood</a>.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can improve your sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem. People who exercise regularly often report how good achieving a goal makes them feel.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can distract you from negative thoughts and provide opportunities to try new experiences.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>It offers an opportunity to socialise and get social support if you exercise with others.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise increases your energy levels.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Physical activity can be an outlet for your frustrations.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can reduce skeletal muscle tension, which helps you feel more relaxed.&nbsp;<br /> North Ayrshire ice hockey club creates a safe environment to children/ young adults to support the training needs, proving them with coaches to support ongoing training needs and a facility to do this safely.</strong></p> </li> </ul>

<p>With the cost of living crisis it has proved a challenge to fundraise. The team&nbsp;will be going to their first ever abroad tournament in Holland in March 2024.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have done a huge amount of fundraising to cover the costs of all the boys to travel and stay in Holland.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are applying to this fund to help cover the costs of meals,&nbsp;strips and a zip track top.&nbsp;</p>