Ortus Energy funding boost for York Super 1s helps charity empower young people with a disability through cricket

Super 1s is an inclusive community cricket programme, delivered in conjunction with local county cricket boards, for young people with disabilities aged 12-25. It provides an opportunity to have fun playing cricket with friends every week and experience competitive sport with peers.

The programme goes beyond cricket – it helps individuals develop vital life skills that improve confidence and self-esteem, all of which provide a platform for participants to realise their potential.

Super 1s has already had a hugely positive impact on the lives of disabled young people, with 89% of participants feeling more independent, and 95% feeling more confident, after being part of the programme in the past year.

This partnership with Ortus Energy – who help the nation’s largest logistics hubs, cold storage facilities, manufacturing centres and sports venues, transition to fully financed on-site renewable power - will include the funding for the continued improvement and delivery of the programme in Yorkshire over the next year, with a specific focus on the York Super 1s hub. This will help the charity, alongside Yorkshire Cricket Board, to achieve the aim of positively impacting even more young people living with a disability than ever before.

We exist to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality, working across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to overcome the challenges of inequality and reach their potential.

Mark Curtin, CEO of the charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Ortus Energy for this very generous funding which will enable us to continue delivering and improving our inclusive and impactful Super 1s hub in York.

“The impact the programme has really is life-changing, not just for young people living with a disability participating, but their families to. A huge thank you on their behalf for your support of our vital work.”

Matty Cooper, Clean Energy Analyst at Ortus Energy, said: "At Ortus, we’re not just powering the UK’s largest commercial, industrial and sporting venue sites - we’re powering futures. This partnership with Lord’s Taverners reflects our commitment to giving back, opening doors for young people who face barriers, both on the pitch and in the workplace. With disability cricket close to my heart - my brother Cameron Cooper plays for England - we're proud to support inclusive sport and help unlock careers in renewable energy. This is clean energy with impact."