Cash4Clubs Returns with £400K Grassroots Funding: Darts Star Surprises Deaf Sports Team

Chris Dobey Surprises Sunderland Deaf Darts Team with Vital Funding
[IMAGE 1: Chris Dobey practicing with the team at The Victory pub, caption: Dobey joins Sunderland Deaf Society’s darts team during their practice session.]

British darts star Chris Dobey made a heartfelt visit to the Sunderland Deaf Society’s Darts team, announcing their £2,000 grant from Flutter UKI’s Cash4Clubs initiative. The surprise took place at The Victory, the UK’s only deaf-run pub, where Dobey participated in a practice session and shared tips via a sign-language interpreter.

The funding will support training equipment and tournament costs, including July’s Deaf Darts Organisation Grand Slam in Leicester. Dobey, ranked world No. 8, called the experience “humbling,” emphasizing the team’s passion: “It’s more than sport—it’s a social outlet and a place to build friendships,” he said.

Team member Darren Davison highlighted the grant’s importance: “With hearing teams, I felt isolated. Here, we communicate, bond, and thrive together.”

[IMAGE 2: Team celebrating with Dobey, caption: The Sunderland Deaf Darts team reacts to the funding news.]

Cash4Clubs: Boosting Grassroots Sports
The Sunderland team is among 200 clubs awarded a share of £400,000 from Flutter UKI (owners of Paddy Power, Sky Bet, and Betfair). Since 2004, Cash4Clubs has invested £6.5 million into community sports.

Other beneficiaries include:

• Swindon Storm American Football Club, surprised by a video message from NFL legend Rob Gronkowski during a Super Bowl event.
• Parkinson’s Ninja C.I.C., funding exercise classes for those with Parkinson’s disease.
• Wales Armed Forces Veterans Football Club, aiming to compete in the 2026 Veterans World Cup.
• Long Furlong Horse Riding for the Disabled, purchasing adaptive equipment.

[IMAGE 3: Rob Gronkowski on a screen, caption: Swindon Storm celebrates their grant during the Super Bowl.]

MPs and Organizers Praise Impact
Dame Caroline Dinenage, Chair of the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee, applauded Cash4Clubs: “Community sports are vital for well-being. Flutter’s support addresses declining participation rates and facility shortages.”

Kevin Harrington, Flutter UKI CEO, added: “These clubs transform lives. We’re proud to help them continue their crucial work.”

[IMAGE 4: Diverse sports groups, caption: Cash4Clubs supports activities from wheelchair rugby to dance.]

Why It Matters
The Sunderland team’s story underscores how grassroots funding fosters inclusion and community. For deaf athletes, darts isn’t just a game—it’s a bridge to connection and confidence. Dobey’s visit, paired with Flutter’s initiative, shines a light on the silent challenges faced by deaf athletes and the power of sport to overcome them.

[IMAGE 5: Dobey interacting via interpreter, caption: Dobey connects with the team through sign language.]

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