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More than 30 local children from inner city schools across Leeds turned out to enjoy an afternoon of Footgolf at the home of modern golf in Wike Ridge – Leeds Golf Centre, on Wednesday 23 October.  Six teams from Harehills Primary School, Little London Primary School and Rosebank Primary School competed in this tournament, hosted by The Parklane Foundation, but it was the team from Harehills Primary School who were victorious.

Footgolf is a brilliant concept which perfectly blends golf with football.  Played over six purposely designed holes, which range from 39 to 90 yards, players must aim and kick the ball into the holes in as few shots as possible – a la the traditional game of golf.

Footgolf is fully inclusive for anyone, any age and any ability but it’s not always as easy as it looks!

This event was organised by The Parklane Foundation, a charitable organisation, which helps and supports a range of good causes across the UK and globally.  The footgolf tournament was designed to give disadvantaged children from inner city locations the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some competitive sport. It also provided a chance to attend Leeds Golf Centre, an experience many might not have in everyday life.

Alan Scorfield, CEO Leeds United Foundation was in attendance and provided some match tickets for the winning team.  The event was also attended by the Leeds Lord Mayor who enjoyed participating and spectating in the action and was thoroughly impressed by the skills on show

Ruby Malik, from The Parklane Foundation said of the event: “This was a truly great day, and everyone enjoyed it; from the children, the teachers and the team at Leeds Golf Centre.  It was great fun watching the children test out their footgolf skills and I think we have found some stars of the future!”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said: “I was delighted to attend the Footgolf tournament hosted by The Parklane Foundation.  The event was a huge success and we received extremely positive feedback from the schools which took part.  Events such as this really demonstrate how sports and new experiences can have a positive effect on children and I do hope that this event will now take place on an annual basis.”

Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung added: “It was an absolute delight to see the Parklane Foundation organise this amazing event at Leeds Golf Centre.  These children are from very diverse communities, but they were all participating and enjoying this sport for the first time and it was evident that they loved every minute of it!  As a council, we are committed to ensuring children live an active lifestyle and this was a great initiative in support of this.  The footgolf event perfectly showcased the inclusivity and accessibility of Leeds Golf Centre – showing you’re never too young or too inexperienced to try something new.”

Alec Waddington, Year 1 Teacher and PE Subject Leader at Harehills Primary School said: “The Parklane Foundation is a true credit to the local community, and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity and their approach towards our children. To let them go on the driving range was beyond top class!”

Ruby continues: “This event is a great example of what we do here at The Parklane Foundation.  We want to enhance, enrich and encourage children and young people to experience a wide range of opportunities.  We appreciate that not all children and their families have access to sporting opportunities, but we believe that every child should have the chance to enjoy them.  This event was part of our ongoing commitment to offering new and unique experiences to children and young people across Yorkshire and further afield.”

The Parklane Foundation will also be presenting a £2000 cheque donation to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal at the Lord Mayor’s dinner on 8^th November.

The Parklane Foundation works with partners such as Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Education, Give a Gift and is a Patron of The Prince’s Trust.

For more information please contact Hanif at The Parklane Foundation at hanif@theparklanegroup.com

The Parklane Group’s annual Charity Golf Day has raised £8,390 for two charities by welcoming a hundred guests to a day of special events at Leeds Golf Centre. Events and activities included breakfast networking, golf coaching sessions from the experts at The Leadbetter Academy, Footgolf, a BBQ lunch, shot gun start golf, an evening dinner and a charity auction.

This year, two charities benefitted from the fundraising event

The Leanne Baker Trust, a charity which helps guide those suffering with mental illness and aiding recovery; and Leeds Community Foundation, which supports thousands of volunteer groups across the City.

During the day, attendees were treated to a range of activities

There was something both those with little or no experience and established golfers alike. Leeds Golf Centre has promoted itself as an inclusive club, offering non-golfers and those from backgrounds not traditionally associated with the sport, a way to get and stay active. Attendees were given use of the club’s popular Footgolf course, which uses footballs rather than golf balls, helping to promote inclusive participation, without the need for expensive equipment or specialist skills.

Naveen Ahmed, Director of The Parklane Group, said:

“This event builds on its success year on year. We’re so proud to have welcomed everyone to our club yet again, in support of two wonderful causes. As an inclusive and progressive club, making sure that we get young people involved and have fun is important to us, and I think that our event achieved that.”

“Over the past year, we’ve helped deliver important initiatives within the community, helping to promote positive messages around active lifestyles and breaking down the traditional barriers to sport. Leeds is a fantastic sporting City, and we’re delighted to be playing a part in that.”

Leeds Golf Centre is operated through The Parklane Group’s charitable arm, The Parklane Foundation

Leeds Golf Centre has delivered sessions with six schools from across Leeds since the start of the year, with an ambition to teach hundreds of students about the importance of exercise and focus. The initiatives are designed to boost confidence and embed values around hard work, discipline, respect and tolerance. Additionally, the club is in the early stages of working with a number of other sporting foundations in the region to expand its community outreach.

Having seen major successes in recent years, culminating in being named England Golf Club of the Year in 2018, The Parklane Group has recently submitted ambitious plans to help secure the centre’s future with an impressive redevelopment.

The total amount raised will be split equally amongst the two charities, assisting them in continuing their important work. Find out more about The Parklane Foundation, here.

On Thursday, 30th November, The Parklane Foundation opened their doors once again to welcome cherished guests, family, and friends to the second annual Parklane Group Dinner. Despite the frosty weather, attendees arrived dressed to the nines, ready to embrace a fabulous evening at the iconic Headingley Stadium.

As guests stepped into the Howard Suite, they were greeted with an array of delightful canapés and invigorating mocktails, courtesy of the exceptional MyLahore. A beautifully curated grazing table brimmed with delectable nibbles, complemented by the melodious strains of orchestral music performed by Mark Oysten and his talented sons. The suite glimmered with the soft glow of Christmas trees and enchanting tree centerpieces, casting an inviting aura over the gathering.

Promptly at 7 PM, everyone took their seats as the evening commenced with a poignant video, illuminating the Parklane Foundation’s impactful endeavors. The Parklane Foundation’s remarkable efforts over the past year culminated in an astounding achievement: raising a staggering £80,000! This substantial sum was dedicated to our esteemed Charity Partners: Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Leeds Hospitals Charity—each receiving a generous cheque of £20,000. The surplus funds will continue to bolster the Parklane Foundation’s support for local charities and communities, including initiatives like Footgolf sessions benefiting inner-city school children.

The evening unfolded with inspiring speakers, notably Barry Brindley from The Zikomo Trust. Last year, the Parklane Foundation contributed £4,000 towards building a school in Malawi for 240 children—a cause deeply resonant with the Parklane Group family, rooted in Malawi. In recognition of Barry’s unwavering commitment to charitable work in Malawi, he was honored with The Parklane Foundation Annual Award. Another cheque of £4,000 was presented to aid in furthering educational infrastructure in Malawi.

The latter part of the evening was dedicated to unveiling our Charities of the Year for 2024, focusing on the theme of homelessness: Crisis, St. George’s Crypt, and Simon on the Streets. The Parklane Foundation also pledged to donate a self-care package for every single guest who attended the dinner to the two local charities: St. George’s Crypt and Simon on the Streets. The packages include beanie hats, dental kits, shampoo, soap, and other hygiene products—a little festive gift for the cold winter months.

A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to MyLahore for their exceptional catering, delighting guests with a sumptuous spread ranging from a tantalizing grazing table, canapés, and mocktails to an exquisite plated starter, a selection of curry mains, and an opulent dessert spread. Their impeccable service left an indelible mark on the evening, with guests still reminiscing about last year’s feast.

Musical talents added an extra layer of charm to the night, with an orchestral trio and Mark Oysten and his sons setting the perfect ambiance. The latter part of the evening saw the enchanting performance of Holly, a talented singer whose renditions of classic tunes ignited the dance floor and filled the room with infectious energy.

It was a night of warmth and inspiration, an opportunity to showcase the incredible impact of the Parklane Foundation’s work. Gratitude overflowed as heartfelt thanks were extended to all supporters whose generous contributions make this meaningful work possible.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who graced the event, and we eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you next year for another unforgettable evening!

To find out more or register your interest to sponsor the event/packages or contribute to auction prizes next year for the Parklane Foundation, please contact us through the enquiry form online at Parklane Foundation.