[Note from Annette: this is not a UoR or RUSU Club/activity but has recently moved to use UoR facilities].
Hi Annette
Very sorry for the delay; it been one of those weeks at work 😊.
Thank you for consideration, yes right now it is not directly link to the University other than using its facilities.
However what encouraged us to apply was the second paragraph on http://thefriends.org.uk/grants/; ‘We are particularly interested in helping to fund projects which will enhance University-community relations and/or help student or staff extra-curricular activities’.
- It was our plan was to have a sign put on the locker to show and share that we were helped by The Friends of the University of Reading.
- Regardless of the outcome of this grant application, it is our intention to advertise the club widely to University community as extra-curricular activity that is fun, enhance their mental and physical wellbeing by going out and doing something in fresh air while making new friends.
Kind regards
Sahan
From: The Friends UoR <vrs02mt@reading.ac.uk>
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2023 4:54 PM
To: Sahan Jinadasa <s.jinadasa@reading.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: Friends of the University grant application for Reading Softball Club
Sahan, I’m afraid it looks as though your project does not come within the charity’s criteria as it isn’t really linked with the University other than using its facilities.
Let me know if you think this is wrong!
just to say that your email has been safely received.
It sounds like a fun activity.
I will consult with the trustees on its applicability within our criteria and get back to you.
From: Sahan Jinadasa <s.jinadasa@reading.ac.uk>
Sent: 07 March 2023 10:25
To: The Friends UoR <vrs02mt@reading.ac.uk>
Subject: Friends of the University grant application for Reading Softball Club
Hello Friends of the University
I have been an employee of University of Reading IT Services/Digital Technology Services for 22 years, and a member of Reading Softball Club for the same length of time. Joining the University of Reading directly led me to start playing softball as 3 of my IT Services colleagues were already members of the club. Over the years I have taken on various committee positions including club chair for 3 years, and currently liaising with University of Reading SportsPark on behalf of the club for our relocation to University playing fields.
Club was originally formed as Ascot Blues in 2000 and in 2014 move to Reading, and since 2017 our home has been at Sol Joel Park. It has served us well and enabled us to root ourselves in the local community and therefore expanded from 1 team and 20 members, to 3 teams and over 60 members. We play in the Windsor and Maidenhead Softball League (https://wmsoftball.com) and affiliated to British Softball Federation (https://www.britishsoftball.org). We have now out grown the facilities at Sol Joel Park and therefore moved to University of Reading SportsPark playing fields from this year. Over the years we have had many University staff and students joining our club, and since we are now based at the University grounds we will be advertising widely to encourage the University community to come and try out Softball over Spring and Summer. Slowpitch Softball in the UK is played as a co-ed team sport so is fully inclusive. We have players of all ages and abilities and various teams mean we can accommodate all skill levels from beginner to national level players. Please browse our website for more info about us: https://readingsoftballclub.com/.
With the expansion of the club we need to buy an additional storage unit for our training and playing equipment to supplement our existing storage unit, similar to https://www.asgardsss.co.uk/5×3-metal-shed and wondering if you can kindly consider help us in fund the additional storage units cost of £553? Having seen Friends of the University emails over many years, now that we are based at the University grounds, it now feels the most appropriate time to apply for a Friends of the University grant.
Please let me know if you require more information to assist with this application.
Kind regards
On behalf of Reading Softball Club
Sahan