Fitness equipment upgrade at Foundation Fitness through Sport England funding

We're delighted to share that our much-loved community gym, Foundation Fitness, has recently received funding from Sport England to upgrade key pieces of fitness equipment. This investment will help us create an even more accessible, welcoming and supportive space for the people who rely on Foundation Fitness every day.

For many people, Foundation Fitness is much more than a place to exercise. It is where confidence is rebuilt after a life changing diagnosis, where friendships are formed over a post-workout cup of tea, where people maintain their independence and improve their mobility, and where those who may have felt isolated find a place where they truly belong.

From supporting veterans and older people to working with people living with cancer or dementia, refugees and asylum seekers, and those experiencing loneliness, poor mental health or financial hardship, Foundation Fitness helps create opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to improving their health and feeling connected to their community.

For some, the gym provides a place to rebuild strength and confidence. For others, it offers a supportive environment for gentle movement as part of their journey towards improved wellbeing. As the home of many of our free community programmes, it also plays a pivotal role in our wider health and wellbeing work across Doncaster.

Thanks to Sport England's funding, we have been able to replace worn equipment and install new machines tailored to the unique needs of our diverse community. These improvements will help ensure Foundation Fitness remains a safe and inclusive space where people of all ages, abilities and health conditions can exercise with confidence.

Nick Gillott, Head of Community Programmes, said:

“This funding from Sport England will make a lasting difference, not only to the people who use Foundation Fitness as their community gym, but to everyone who benefits from the wider support we provide.

“As a non-profit community gym, every membership fee is reinvested into our free support programmes, which means major upgrades like these simply wouldn't be possible without the generosity of funders like Sport England. Their investment will enable us to improve the facility while keeping it accessible for the people who need it most.

“Attracting new members will also help us strengthen and sustain our wider community work. Investing in the gym means investing in people. It will help to ensure everyone living locally can access the opportunities, support and sense of belonging that Foundation Fitness and Club Doncaster Foundation provides.”

With these improvements in place, Foundation Fitness is better equipped to continue helping people move more, build confidence and develop lasting connections. A stronger community gym also means greater sustainability for Club Doncaster Foundation’s wider programmes, ensuring more people across Doncaster can access the support they need for years to come.

If you are interested in joining Foundation Fitness or would like to find out more about our community provisions, please contact louise.power@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk.