Local Clubs To Bid For Olympic Legacy Cash

Sports clubs are being invited once again to bid for a share of £15 million of National Lottery investment from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities legacy fund, which has already supported more than 1,300 local community sports groups, according to Sport England.

Already £71 million has been invested in the first four rounds of funding, with more than 530 projects complete and operational. There will also be further rounds to follow after an additional £40 million was committed to extend the fund until 2017. 

According to the organisation, investment is available to breathe new life into tired facilities that can be unattractive, expensive to run and difficult to maintain, and putting them back into the local communities. 

There is also money available to convert existing buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport. 

Sport England chair, Nick Bitel, said: ‘Inspired Facilities is one of our most popular funds, showing the importance of good, local sports facilities; not only do they improve the sporting experience of existing users they also help attract new ones. With £15 million of lottery funding available and a further £40 million over coming rounds, there are plenty of opportunities to benefit from this fund.’

One project to benefit from the fund is Wigan Judo Club, which received £50,000. Following an arson attack in 2006 their 40-year-old dojo was forced to close, leaving the club without a permanent home. 

As a result membership of the club suffered, falling to about a third of what it was in its prime. However, following the investment from Sport England the club has been able to renovate an old warehouse to turn it into a permanent home.

Phil Sullivan, head coach of Wigan Judo Club said: ‘It is no exaggeration to say Sport England’s support has given Wigan Judo Club a new lease of life. We’ve turned around from struggling in the doldrums and facing obsolescence to looking forward to the future with eager anticipation.’

‘It’s not just a question of the grants – although these have allowed us to renovate a new facility and create a dedicated dojo and training suite – but the support, insight and motivation provided by the Inspired Facilities team have been a real boost to morale. We’re about to place some junior competitors in the National Championships, which would have been unthinkable just one year ago!’

Community and voluntary organisations are able to bid for grants of between £20,000 and £50,000, with other organisations such as councils and schools able to apply for grants of up to £150,000. 

Applicants whose projects will benefit disadvantaged young people will also be invited to apply for funding from the Thomas Cook’s Children’s Charity, Sport England’s partner for Inspired Facilities.