On The Ball is a new charity beer launching on 1st August and available across the summer to support the work of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation a charity in Norwich brewed by award-winning Duration Brewing in West Acre, Kings Lynn.

The new light lager is crisp, refreshing and also gluten free. It will be available in can and over the bar with 50p from every pint or can sold will support projects at The Nest – The Foundation’s beating heart driving inclusion through community and sports-based projects to help people living with disabilities and their families in Norwich.

BUY ON THE BALL HERE

The idea for a ‘Beer for Good’ came about through sport – Jade Nicholson from The Foundation and Miranda Hudson from Duration both play for the currently undefeated West Norfolk Women’s Team. Last autumn they turned the breweries Oktoberfest event into a charity fundraiser for The Foundation and got the whole squad out in support – together they raised over £3500 for The Foundation and now they are making a charity beer together.

Miranda Hudson from Duration says

‘Playing sport got me through lockdown. It’s how I met Jade though her first love is football! After the success of Oktoberfest, we got chatting and decided to take it a step further – with a charity beer. For drinkers it’s easy – just by drinking it you are doing your bit, as Duration will donate 50p from every pint or can sold to the charity. Win lose or draw, we all win with this beer. It’s gluten free too!’

The rugby duo enlisted the help of Duration’s illustrator Shaun Lynch to make the artwork for the beer and animator Dan Smith aka @littlenorwich on Instagram, to make a promo video of the beer and the projects at the Nest that proceeds from the sale the beer will support. Dan’s animation style short films using drones in and around Norwich have been a hit online – he recently made one for Norwich City too!

Jade Nicholson from The Foundation says

‘It’s been such a fun project to work on, with so many elements bringing what it’s about to life. Dan’s animation shows how the projects at the Nest can enrich people’s lives and the work of the Foundation, and Shaun’s artwork on the can focuses on a fan’s match day experience at Carrow Road. It’s been great to link the work of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation with Duration Brewing and support a fantastic local business. We’re really excited to be working together going forward. We can’t wait to launch the beer in time for the new 25/26 football season — I’ll certainly enjoy a pint or two on match days, knowing it’s helping great causes.’

Dan Smith videographer, aka @littlenorwich adds

‘It was eye opening to film the charity projects that this beer will support. It was pure coincidence I had also been asked by Norwich City to make a match day animation – showing all the goings on of everyday people in and around Norwich is what I love doing in my work. It feels right when many strands come together like this in a local beer for local people.’

Shaun Lynch who illustrated the artwork for On The Ball – it focuses a single fan in a crowd watching a game at Carrow Road – said

‘With Duration we tend to pick the moment for each beer to inform the design. On The Ball had a real sense of occasion we showed a single fan in a crowd at a game but actually the strong sense of community that can build around sport is there too.’

You will be able to enjoy a refreshing pint of On The Ball every match day at The Last Pub Standing on King Street who talk of being ‘We are proud to stock this beer on the bar for home match days to help the Foundation raise money for projects at The Nest.’ The Murderers on Timber Hill further say ‘We were honoured to be asked to support this charity, we get a lot of football fans in so hopefully together we can raise money and enjoy supporting the Canaries this season’. More Norwich venues and stockists will be announced via @durationbeer.

The beer will also be available direct from Duration Brewing via their online shop from 1st August at SHOP.DURATIONBEER.COM

Pubs and Bars, Licensed Cafes and Off Licenses wanting to stock On The Ball 4.2% Light Lager should contact the brewery on [email protected].

About Duration Brewing (producer)

Duration is a modern farmhouse brewery in West Norfolk making beers that belong. Fresh beers and wild and blended farm-style ales with a sense of time and place. Founded in 2019, Duration’s has become a much-loved name for quality and consistency in Norfolk and in brewing circles alike with over 32 accolades including Beer of The Year and Brewer of the Year and getting their Flagship IPA Turtles in the Top 50 UK Beers. @durationbeer durationbeer.com

About Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (charity)

As the official charity partner of Norwich City Football Club, Community Sports Foundation harnesses the power of sport to create positive change. From its state-of-the-art facility, The Nest, the Foundation delivers life-changing programmes that promote inclusion, education, and opportunity. Its work supports young people and families across Norfolk — including those living with disabilities — helping them to thrive both on and off the pitch.

About Shaun Lynch (illustrator)

Shaun Lynch is an illustrator and designer based in Cambridge. We has worked for a number of small independent brands including The Brew Project (Coffee Roaster) and Duration (Beer Brewer) where he has been their resident artist for 5 years. His unique style is both modern and emotive and has helped Duration present their beers well. @sjlillustration shaunlynchillustration.com

About Dan Smith (videographer)

Dan Smith is a food and drink and lifestyle photographer in Norwich. He began producing short videos using drones in a stop motion animation style to great acclaim with Big Trouble in Little Norwich giving a ‘slice of life’ look at a person roaming the fine city. He has gone on to be commissioned by Norwich City, Flatout Fitness and now The Foundation and Duration. @little.norwich