The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) has been profoundly impacted by its partnership with The Silicon Cup.
“Being chosen as an official charity beneficiary has allowed us to advance our mission and offer countless opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to engage in sailing and watersports,” said Caroline Slocock, head of philanthropy at ASF.
“These funds have enabled the foundation to engage young people in activities that provide essential life skills and promote inclusion and belonging within communities across the UK.
A glimpse at the 2024 contribution
In 2024, The Silicon Cup made a remarkable £10,000 donation, directly funding 286 half-day sailing and watersports sessions. This contribution will result in 857 hours spent on the water, helping young people develop critical skills, build confidence, and connect with their peers and mentors.
These sessions are more than just a way to get out on the water; they are designed to support the physical and mental well-being of participants while also helping them form lasting connections with others.
- Sport
The funding has allowed ASF to provide high-quality sailing and watersports experiences to young people, helping them learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These activities not only boost confidence but also foster a love for physical activity, which can have lifelong benefits. - Community
The continued support from The Silicon Cup has played a pivotal role in strengthening communities. By offering opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to come together, ASF is helping create stronger, more connected communities. These programs provide young people with a sense of belonging and support, ultimately leading to lasting positive impacts. - Education
ASF’s programs go beyond physical skills, offering participants the chance to develop life skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and communication. These skills help young people thrive both academically and in their future careers, creating pathways for success and personal growth.
Long-term impact
Thanks to The Silicon Cup’s support, ASF has made meaningful progress toward its mission of empowering youth through sport. The funding provided has not only created immediate impact but has also laid the foundation for long-term success. ASF is deeply grateful for this partnership, which has allowed the foundation to create opportunities that will benefit young people and their communities for years to come.
Feedback from the community
The feedback from participants and educators alike highlights the tangible benefits of ASF’s programs. One deputy headteacher shared their experience with the Discover Sailing program.
“Many of our students have struggled in mainstream education due to the lack of a range of characteristics that are required in order to thrive in modern society,” they said. “In particular, I feel students have an opportunity to develop resilience, teamwork, communication and independence throughout your programme.”
These qualities have been beneficial not only during the sessions but also in their academic pursuits. Many students who participated in the program showed marked improvements in their approach to studying, overcoming anxiety, and even improving social interactions.
A parent of two children who participated in ASF’s programs also expressed heartfelt gratitude, praising the organisation for its inclusive and accepting approach.
“This is the only place my autistic PDA daughter, who is recovering from burnout and a mental health crisis, can attend without me. Dan, her instructor is low demand by nature and has such a warm and playful approach, she is totally herself with him, something we rarely see.”
She shared how the sailing sessions provided her children with a unique opportunity for growth, stating, “These sessions are a lifeline!” This feedback reflects the transformative nature of ASF’s work and the profound impact it has on individuals and families.
A future full of possibilities
Thanks to the ongoing support from The Silicon Cup, The Andrew Simpson Foundation is able to provide young people with the opportunity to explore new horizons—both on and off the water. From building resilience and confidence to fostering a sense of community and providing vital educational opportunities, the foundation is helping to shape a brighter future for young people across the UK.
The foundation’s work would not be possible without the generous donations and support from The Silicon Cup and its participants. The partnership has allowed ASF to create lasting, positive change in the lives of countless young people, and for that, they are deeply grateful.
As ASF continues to grow and expand its reach, they look forward to working together with The Silicon Cup to help even more young people unlock their full potential through sailing and watersports. Thank you for making this incredible impact possible!
