Two sports grants are now available for athletes and sports clubs in Rushcliffe to support their goals and help achieve their full potential in their chosen sport.
The Rushcliffe Sports Grant – Elite Athletes is offering 20 grants of £300 to help reduce the financial burden of competing at an advanced level that can often create a barrier to achievement.
Funds can help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees, equipment, specialist coaching and other support deemed appropriate by the National Governing Body (NGB) over the next year.
Priority will be given to those who are competing, or have the potential to compete, at the Olympics, Paralympics or Commonwealth Games, and those who are receive Universal Credit and/or free school meals.
Eligible applicants can apply before the deadline of Sunday 16th March and must be:
- A permanent resident of Rushcliffe Borough
- 14 to 25 years old, or competing in a disability sport regardless of age
- Competing in a Sport England recognised sport
- Part of the NGB performance pathway and competing for a Home Nation Country GB, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and/or in the national training squad in their chosen sport. This varies with different sports but applicants should, at least, be competing with performers from other counties in their sport in recognised competitions
- Amateur status
- Fully endorsed by their NGB and national or international coach, who must be suitably qualified and affiliated.
To accompany the application, a confirmation letter from their NGB confirming the athlete’s level of performance is also required.
The Rushcliffe Sports Grant – Workforce
A new grant is also now open to Rushcliffe-based sports clubs to help support the training, development and retention of their workforce. The grant could contribute to coaching, officiating, grounds maintenance or safeguarding.
Clubs will be required to produce a minimum of a one-year workforce project plan, including outlining what the grant will fund and the club’s commitment to developing their workforce in the longer term.
Each year, two clubs will receive a grant of £500, with £300 being paid up front, and the remaining £200 being paid on completion of the project.
Eligible community sports clubs in the Borough have until Monday 31st March to apply.
Find out more about both sports grant opportunities and how to apply at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/sport/rushcliffe-sports-grants/.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “This year we’re launching two grant opportunities for athletes and sports clubs in the Borough, to help individuals and groups flourish in their chosen sports.
“Through our Elite Athlete, grant we’re continuing to support athletes to assist them with the considerable costs of competing and training at elite level. This could support new sporting equipment, travel and competition fees.
“Our Workforce grant will provide two clubs with an opportunity to receive a £500 boost to ensure they continue to thrive by investing in their workforce.
“Rushcliffe is a great place for sport and has so many brilliant athletes and clubs here from across a diverse range of sports and we’re committed to supporting our sporting community through these grants.
“Our FANS Scheme is also in place to provide a free 12-month gym and swim membership for local athletes competing at national level.
“We encourage anyone eligible to apply for these sporting grants before the deadlines.”