In July 2025 Tom Halsall, a 17-year-old from Sheffield strapped on his skates and helmet and rolled on to one of the biggest Roller Derby tracks at the Junior World Cup in Australia. His last game as a junior, the tournament meant more to Tom than anything, but with the challenge of fundraising for substantial travelling costs, plus the physical training and equipment required, there were points this dream seemed out of grasp.

However, for Tom and his mum, a CSSC member of several years, giving up was not an option. Which is when they turned to the CSSC community. As a linked member, Tom was able to apply for Elite Sponsorship Funding, and within a few weeks, he received the good news that he had been granted a career changing £2,436.

The grant from the CSSC Community Lottery allowed Tom to purchase essential skate and protective equipment, uniform and clothing, as well as training, coaching and nutrition sessions - all vital for preparation as his training volume increased in the build-up to the competition.

Tom said: “I knew I was going to need thousands of pounds to let me compete in Australia. Being asked to play for Team GB was a dream come true, so myself, friends and family rallied to begin fundraising. The Roller Derby community is so supportive, and everyone got behind me. My Roller Derby network donated money to help me buy my flights and accommodation for when I arrived in Brisbane, but on top of that, I had so much to prepare which would need extra backing. I didn’t know where I would get this from.

“When my mum suggested applying to CSSC for funding I was surprised. I couldn’t believe that the CSSC community would support me in the way they did. I applied for funding to buy all the essentials to help me prepare and play my best when I arrived in Australia for the biggest game of my life. Thankfully, I was lucky enough that CSSC said yes, and from there the game was on!”

Once in Brisbane, Tom succeeded in his ambition to end his Junior Roller Derby career on a high - Team GB progressed to the finals and defeated host nation Australia 267-208.

After making the long trip back to Sheffield with a medal around his neck, Tom soon started preparing to represent Team England.

Tom was bowled over he had even made the team, saying: “I never thought I’d actually get chosen – when I was applying for the CSSC funding I wrote that I was hoping to be selected for Team England, and the funding would help me get to the level I needed to be at to make that happen. I think writing that in my funding application gave me the motivation to really get my head down and believe in myself because I didn’t want to let them down after they showed me such support.”

Tom’s Mum, an ex-Roller Derby player, became a member with CSSC when she worked at the Home Office, and has continued as an active member since moving into the public sector as a public health registrar in local government. As a family, when they aren’t playing Roller Derby, they often use the discounted days out.

Fay said: “I have always loved being a member of CSSC. I feel like part of a community, and the opportunities CSSC gives us as public sector workers to get fit, move and improve our wellness by getting out and about is indispensable. The funding they gave Tom, however, has shown me how much they truly value their members. It feels amazing to be part of something so special.

“I have no words for how proud I am of Tom and his achievements. As an ex-Roller Derby player myself it’s brilliant to see him succeed at such a high level – all thanks to his hard work, determination and backing from CSSC and the Roller Derby community.”

When asked what CSSC means to him, Tom reflected on the heights he was able to meet with help from the non-for-profit group. He said: “To me, CSSC means so much. The fact that they supported me in the Roller Derby World Cup, which is still a niche sport, shows that they are really dedicated to helping their members in whatever sporting path they’ve chosen. Without their support I simply would not have been able to compete at the level I did in Australia or have the amazing memories I made there to cherish.”

CSSC also provides financial assistance to members with disabilities or those experiencing financial difficulties via the Disability Support Fund and the Financial Support Fund. You can learn more about the funding available here.