A POPULAR community hub in Eastbourne that connects young people to sports celebrates after securing a new home.
Defiant Sports promotes inclusivity in sports for young people living with disability, supporting them in opportunities to play the sports they enjoy.
Currently based in Sovereign Harbour Retail Park they will be relocated to new premises at the Fisherman’s Green tennis courts, in Royal Parade, Eastbourne.
Speaking at the full council meeting on February 28, Eastbourne Borough Council leader Stephen Holt agreed a 25-year lease with Loretta Lock, managing director of Defiant Sports.
Loretta said: “Firstly, thank you so much to everyone who came to support us at the open council meeting on Wednesday, it means a lot and showed the importance of inclusive services like Defiant Sports.
“The meeting went phenomenally well! We got a unanimous vote of approval on our requests regarding the Archery, a 25-year lease at the site with the first five being free, three years free at the Fishermans Green Tennis Courts, and £2,500 given to help begin work at the Archery.
“The agreement of the lease was signed by Councillor Holt, leader of the council. Sarah Tye, council officer, will be assisting us to ensure a smooth and speedy move.”
Defiant Sports confirmed it will continue to run its services in its current hub during the move, and they anticipate the club will be in the new premises by the end of May.
Councillor Holt said: “This announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work and regular meetings and discussions with Loretta and council officers. I thank them for their constructive and helpful contributions to this process.
“I’m obviously delighted that we have managed to find a location that has a long history of community sport development in Eastbourne and I’ve no doubt that Defiant Sports will build on that legacy.
“The certainty of a new headquarters for Defiant Sports will also allow them to access other funding pots as they establish themselves at the Archery.”
Council officers are also helping Loretta and her team to navigate the planning process with a view to the creation of an indoor sports facility.
With their lease at the Crumbles ending in the summer, the council is providing temporary storage space to assist with logistical challenges when they leave that location.
Councillor Holt added: “At a time when the council finances are stretched to breaking point by the escalating costs of temporary accommodation, it gives me great pride that we have found a new home for Defiant Sports and provided funding support that will allow them to move forward positively at the Archery.”
Defiant Sports has also expanded its services to people living with mental health difficulties, battling addiction, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women and girls in sport, and people at risk of offending.
They also won two awards in 2022 which were, Competition of the Year, LTA Tennis Awards, County, and Disability Award, LTA Tennis Awards, County.
