The president of a Southampton sports club highlighted how community organisations can reduce violence among young people.

Darren “Butch” Burchall, who was elected to lead Southampton Rangers Sports Club this year, spoke after the organisation received a $65,000 government grant yesterday.

Mr Burchall said: “Community clubs work at the grassroots level to deter antisocial behaviour, and we need to work together to deter it more. It’s sad the amount of violence that has been going on.”

He said the funds will be used to repair the club’s 60-year-old facility, including its roof, which he likened to a “piece of Swiss cheese”.

A football match at Southampton Oval, the club’s home field, was cancelled last month after five men tried to assault a Paget Colts player.

Mr Burchall said at the time: “We can’t tolerate this.It’s unfortunate that our ugly issues in society raise their ugly face during sports events sometimes.

“It’s just unfortunate that it happened at our club and at our field and that everybody is going to think it’s Rangers again.”

He added: “It’s one step forward and two steps backwards, but we’ll continue to think and do positive stuff here for the community.”

Southampton Rangers was not the only organisation to receive government funds today. A total of 26 clubs were given between $16,925 and $85,000 in grants.

David Burt highlighted how the 2025-26 Budget allocated $1 million in capital development grants to community clubs, but the midyear fiscal update allowed for an additional $500,000 in funding.

He explained: “For those of us who have been in club life, we know it is often thankless, we know it takes tremendous hard work, it takes time away from your families and can sometimes cause stress.

“But the reality is we all know why we do it — we do it because we care for our communities and want to see the best for our young people and our future.”

Mr Burt added that every organisation that requested funding received it and more than half were given the amount asked for.

Harrington Workmen’s Club and Leopard’s Club International (Bermuda) received $65,000 and $85,000 respectively.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, is vice-president of Harrington Workmen’s.

He said: “A lot of clubs have generational members that include parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents.

“Everyone knowing everyone keeps younger people in line, which deters antisocial behaviour.”

The club will use the money to complete repairs and expand its youth programmes.

Calvin Smith, the president of the Leopards Club, said: “The money means the world to us and will help complete our five-year plan to upgrade our facility.”

He added: “We play a big role in providing a safe outlet for young people, so they do not need to turn to antisocial activities.”