More than £32,000 has been awarded to groups in Dorset to encourage and inspire young people through sport.

Dorset Community Foundation teamed up with Made By Sport to distribute grants to clubs and groups working with young people to develop life skills, improve job prospects or reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

Made by Sport is a national charity which raises awareness of the power of playing and competing.

Among the recipients was Hope In The Community in Bournemouth.

It was awarded £2,021 to fund a youth worker to encourage young people in Southbourne through sports activities including football and skateboarding.

Peter Southcombe, Chairman, said a worker had already worked with young people in the area and the demand was there for someone to be out permanently organising activities for them.

He added: “The youth worker began one to one sessions with some young people who were struggling at school.

“This has been invaluable in helping them stay in school and not dropping out.

“Parents have commented on how their son was much calmer and are very appreciative of the support given.”

Poole Sailability, which gives young people with disabilities the opportunity to go sailing in Poole Harbour, received £2,021 to help it recover from the pandemic after it lost vital income in the lockdowns.

The group works with Bournemouth and Poole College to take out its young people with learning difficulties and also with young carers.

Peter Davies, Trustee, said: “We usually get income from other organisations but, because they’ve all been closed down, we are very grateful for the grant.”

The Power House in Poole has been awarded £2,021 to run a summer holiday sports activity programme in Hamworthy.

Outreach worker Alix Digby-West said there is no real youth provision for young people in the area.

“This will give them a consistent contact with trained youth workers, ensure they have the activities and support they need to develop socially, connect in their community, and grow friendships with peers,” she said.

The Youth Empowerment Platform in Bournemouth will set up a basketball team for BAME youngsters in the area thanks to a £2,021 grant.

The group was founded in 2019 to offer young people in the community football coaching with AFC Bournemouth as a way of countering anti-social behaviour.

Young people out on a day trip with the Youth Empowerment Platform.

Youth worker Kundai Muzura said: “The pandemic has limited the opportunities to bring young people together face to face and some have been impacted mentally due to isolation and loneliness.

“Basketball is something the young people have asked us about, as well as swimming.”

Grant Robson, Director, Dorset Community Foundation, pictured left, said: “We are very proud that Made By Sport has chosen to work with us because it appreciates that we have the in-depth knowledge of the voluntary sector in Dorset that allows its money to go exactly where it is needed.

“These grants will help these brilliant groups use sport and physical activity as a force for good, encouraging and engaging young people and giving them a focus for their energy.

“The great thing about these activities is that they give youth workers an opportunity to build up trust and respect with young people and that allows them to make a real difference in their lives.

“We are very pleased to be able to play a part in that.”