The Tidewater Striders New Energy running program has received a $4,500 grant to assist in the promotion and expansion of New Energy throughout underserved areas in Hampton Roads, as well as to aid the club with its current costs.

The program is open to students who are 6-16 years old.

New Energy has more than 150 runners and has received numerous requests for programs closer to home in other Southside cities.

Matt Trangenstein, a Suffolk area coach, was instrumental in seeking out and obtaining this grant.

New Energy head youth coach Angelo Celesia and youth chairman Dan Edwards plan on using the welcomed funds to expand the youth program network in areas outside of Virginia Beach.

The program plans to work with local schools in other Southside cities to bring more runners to the group without parents having to travel to Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach.