GLL Gateshead Community Fund helps Rutherford AFC and North East Diversity, Education and Solidarity support Gateshead residents to move more

In May 2026, GLL (the charitable social enterprise that powers Better leisure centres) funded 10 projects across Gateshead. These projects are now up and running and this month we will highlight the impact that two of the projects are having on the local community.

North East Diversity, Education and Solidarity (NEDES) are an organisation who ‘support asylum seekers and refugees with the aim of providing social and economic skills to transform and own their lives. We help them learn new skills to rebuild their families and communities.’. GLL funded volleyball sessions for men, who often find it difficult to make new connections in a new place. The sessions run on Friday evenings and currently have over 15 people attending each week. The social aspect of the sessions is also important, with a food and drink shared afterwards. The sessions will continue throughout autumn and winter, to combat social isolation which is known to increase.

Rutherford AFC were another organisation funded through the GLL Community Fund. Rutherford AFC is a 3 star accredited football club based in Lobley Hill. They have started two new girls teams with the funding, alongside coaching qualifications for two of their female coaches. The new teams will start their competitive journey in the leagues this autumn and with the new coaches trained up more girls will be able to join the club. The funding also covered kits for the new U7s and U11s girls teams. We wish the team the best of luck in the league this year!

The Gateshead Community Fund is a joint funding stream between GLL and Gateshead Council and is part of Better Gateshead’s Active Communities Programme. The next round of funding is due to be launched in October 2026, with a further £25,000 available for new physical activity sessions in Gateshead. For more information go to Active Communities | Gateshead | Better