A community interest company is aiming to create Bedford’s first purpose-built parkour facility through a crowdfunding campaign and generous match-funding.
Parkour or free running is the use of your body to overcome obstacles and move through the urban environment.
Spiral Freerun CIC is aiming to raise £30,000 to secure their new venue in a village near Bedford. If they can raise £10,000 in the next 34 days, their money will be match-funded by both Sport England and the charity Power to Change.
So far, the team has raised £2,737 from 47 donors. They need to hit their target, with a minimum of 100 donors by 26 July and they’re hoping that generous Bedfordians can help them make it.
You can donate to their crowdfunder here.
Spiral Freerun currently operate at Trinty Arts and Leisure in Bedford town centre, but they have reached capacity at the venue and have been notified that their costs will increase in the coming year.
“We’ve outgrown our current home, so the next step is to create our own,” said founder, Luke Brown.
“It will be the UK’s only indoor and outdoor Parkour facility with a sprung floor, foam pit and resi pit. We’ll be able to share the space with gymnastics groups, cheerleaders and martial artists, so it will be a great asset for Bedford.”
Luke told the Bedford Independent that the benefits of parkour are not just physical, but they also help with mental health.
“It’s mindblowing the positive effect that parkour has had on some of our students,” he said.
“They’re able to translate the skills into their everyday lives, whether that’s at school, in their social lives and in their education. It builds confidence which might mean that they are then able to put their hand up in class and it helps with problem-solving.
“Parkour is one of the most inclusive sports out there and we can work with anyone aged four and over, whatever their ability.”
Thanks to a partnership with Fun4YoungPeople, Spiral Freerun CIC are able to provide subsidised classes for students on income-related free school meals.
“Once we secure the funding we’ll be putting our all into creating the new space, doing everything from putting in new toilets to building a mezzanine,” said Luke.
“At the moment, we’ve converted my mum’s garage into our office, so it’s definitely time for some more space.
“This is a big step for us and we’re learning everything as we go. We want to make Bedford proud and thank everyone for their support.”
To support the Spiral Freerun CIC crowdfunder, visit the website here.
