Extra-curricular activities for Macclesfield children were among the local organisations to receiving funding at the latest Town Council meeting.

This week's Finance Committee was broadcast on YouTube.

Early in the broadcast £2000 was granted for a building refurbishment at the Macclesfield Scouts.

This will allow an exterior camping store to hold more tents and other paraphernalia on wildlife expeditions that teach kids essential skills.

But perhaps the biggest victory for the wider community was at Tytherington Juniors FC, which was awarded £2000 to allow all children below the age of 6 in to play for their club for free.

This means they can compete with other football clubs in attracting potential talent.

Club Secretary Matt O'Brien is elated with the news:

"Tytherington Juniors are so proud that we have been awarded a grant from Macclesfield Town Council. We are so exceptionally grateful to the fantastic local Councillors and our Mayor of Macclesfield that all voted unanimously in favour of the grant being awarded to the club.

"It means so many more children in Macclesfield will have access to our Grassroots Football Academy. The grassroots Academy really is the life blood and future of Tytherington Juniors FC."

The volunteer-led football club has 30 Under 6 players hopes this financial boost can help add up to 30 more Under 6 footballers. Both boys and girls are welcome to the free sessions.

Those who currently pay for children to play for the Under 6 sessions will not have to pay in the future.

The volunteer-led self-funded grassroots football club of 30 teams and now well over 400 young players, hopes that this financial boost can help double the attendance at their Grassroots Academy. Meaning more young players in Macclesfield can take their first steps on their grassroots football adventure and for free.

The Academy players train every Tuesday at 5pm, and will play in the Mid Cheshire Youth Football League.

Cllr Michael Hutchinson who was a coach at the club for three years said: "Quite rightly Macclesfield FC have had a massive amount of press over the last six months."

"But it is also important to recognise within the town that there are also other sorts of sports clubs, and football clubs that shouldn't be forgotten.

"And especially to all of the people who give up their time to do everything. To carry nets, get all the equipments, to arrange lifts to get people to games. To find a pitch that isn't covered in mud.

"Since I left the club I don't know where this is a coincidence (laughs) it seems to have gone from strength to strength but I really enjoyed my time working there while my son was a player. I am quite happy to support this because I know really what goes into it."

Cllr Chris Wilcock added "It is good to see that Robbie Savage has got his own foundation at the football club giving access to players [of Macclesfield FC] free of charge.

"As Cllr Hutchinson said there is more than just the one academy or grassroots football club in the town. So there are potential people out there that might not be able to get to the academy at Macclesfield Football Club so we can't be seen to be letting some of these people down.

"There is potentially a wealth of talent out there on the streets that doesn't get picked up so if we can do our small bit to encourage that talent to come out I think we are doing a wonderful job."

Other applications for money which were approved include £1500 each for the East Cheshire Hospice Art Fair and Macclesfield Pride. They can now hold their 2021 events, which couldn't take place in 2020.

Market Place's St Michael's Church secured £2000 for audiovisual capabilities such as a projector and tech for the ability to live-stream.

Also discussed was a Community Garden allotment space from Warwick Road to Kenilworth Green, and £250 for public liability insurance to allow gardening in the grounds of Christ Church on Bridge St.

Local causes can apply for a grant to Macclesfield Town Council.

Tytherington Juniors can be found on  their Facebook for more info and to make contact with the club.

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