The newly-formed Ashby Sport alliance has announced a sponsor in Mill Lane Mews-based The Monkey Tree Gin Bar and Restaurant.

The Monkey Tree has agreed to support the project as its title sponsor.

Ashby Sport has grown to 34 sports clubs representing 27 different sports across the town and surrounding area.

Since its launch, the website has received over 3,000 individual hits, viewing nearly 10,000 pages, with the social media channels also heavily followed.

Organisers say the purpose of Ashby Sport is to increase sports participation and engagement across the

community, and believe the initiative has already had a significant impact, judging by the positive feedback.

Ashby Sport is managed by a small group of volunteers in partnership with Ashby de la Zouch Town Council.

The Town Council also governs all financial transactions.

But, with the costs associated with any initiative of this type, Ashby Sport relies heavily on generous donations and contributions from local people and businesses.

As a local community group, Ashby Sport says finding a local business as the title sponsor was an important consideration.

A spokesperson for Ashby Sport said: "We are absolutely delighted that a local restaurant has offered to support the initiative.

"Without this generous help, the Ashby Sport initiative would not happen.

"A massive thank you to the great staff and management at the Monkey Tree Restaurant."

A spokesperson for the Monkey Tree added: "The Ashby Sport initiative is a great idea to increase participation in sport across the whole Ashby community.

"As a local business servicing the same community, we're delighted to help such an exciting project.

"We look forward to working closely with the organisers to highlight the wide range of sports activities available in the town".

• Ashby Sport has its first Fun Day on July 3, where 30 sports clubs will come together on the Bath Grounds from 10am-4pm.

The event will provide an opportunity for the clubs to showcase their activities and give members of the community a chance to try multiple different sports.

Maybe you have always wanted to try Croquet or Hockey but have never had the confidence to go to the club to do this.

This family event will provide a comfortable environment for everyone to 'have a go' - you might just find your next passion!

We are also delighted that McDonald's Ashby and the Co-op have agreed to support the event with prizes and goodies.

For more information, please visit the Ashby Sport website, email:

[email protected] or call the community Helpline 01530 446138

Organisation contacts:

• Tom Yates – Ashby Hastings Cricket Club 07717581756
• Tam Bream – Ashby Rugby Football Club 07850085444
• Sharon Keevins – Kangaroo UK 07830215509
• Andreas Ioannou – Ashby Town Council 07557521650
• Kenny Horn – Ashby Sports 07788410979