Hartlepool Sport becomes independent entity after perfect start under The PFC Trust.

Hartlepool Sport, the highly successful sports arm of local charity The PFC Trust, has become an independent Community Interest Company (CIC).

This positive strategic move marks a significant milestone in the growth of Hartlepool Sport, enabling it to focus purely on expanding its vital work in helping and supporting sports and activities across the town.

The PFC Trust, established in 2019 by Patrick and Frances Connolly, has agreed to fund Hartlepool Sport for the next 12 months to provide the perfect start.

Frances, co-founder of The PFC Trust, said: “The PFC Trust created Hartlepool Sport because we recognised how vitally important clubs and providers are in the town.

“The Trust set up the CIC in order to carry out the work that was required and its success means it has now become an entity in its own right.

“We are fully funding Hartlepool Sport for a year, enabling it to have 12 months to build up its own reserves to continue its fantastic work across the community.

“I am delighted that we have reached this point where Hartlepool Sport's work can stand on its own two feet. I am so proud of everything that has been achieved so far through The PFC Trust and Hartlepool Sport together and we now both hope to go from strength to strength separately.”

The PFC Trust initially created Hartlepool Sport to address a pressing shortage of sports and activities support in the Hartlepool area.

Now the PFC Trust will return its core focus to fundraising and the strategic distribution of funding across the wider region, strengthening individuals and groups to achieve their diverse goals.

Under its new independent structure, Hartlepool Sport will continue to build on its strong foundations, driving forward initiatives that promote physical activity, well-being and community engagement throughout Hartlepool.

Its dedicated team will have greater agility to respond to local needs, forge new partnerships and deliver tailored programmes that make a tangible difference to residents of all ages and abilities.

Carl Jorgeson, CEO of Hartlepool Sport, said: “This is an incredibly exciting chapter for Hartlepool Sport. Our growth over the past five years, nurtured by the generous support of The PFC Trust, has been phenomenal.

“Becoming an independent entity allows us to sharpen our focus exclusively on the sport and physical activity landscape, ensuring every penny and every effort directly benefits our local community.

“We are immensely grateful to Frances and Patrick Connolly for their belief in our mission and for providing us with the springboard to stand on our own. We are more committed than ever to fostering a vibrant, active Hartlepool for everyone.”

The PFC Trust will continue to grow its impact on communities across the region, while Hartlepool Sport will expand its reach within the town, with aims to ensure a brighter, more active future for Hartlepool.