Sport England Urges Sportsmatch Entries
Sport England’s Chair Richard Lewis has re-launched the Sportsmatch programme for 2011-12 by urging grassroots sports clubs to examine how they could benefit from the scheme.?
Sportsmatch brings additional funding to not-for-profit organisations that have secured sponsorship to deliver new projects to get people playing sport.
Grants from £1,000 up to £100,000 are available to match sponsorship from the commercial sector, private individuals or charitable trusts.
Clubs, voluntary organisations, sports governing bodies, councils, schools and universities can now apply and the first awards will be made in early April.
Richard Lewis said: ‘Securing sponsorship for your sports project takes dedication and skill – particularly in a tough economic climate – so I’m delighted that we’re able to double the benefit for sport by matching that investment.’
‘We’re determined to get public funding right down to sport’s grassroots – so get your applications in early and start making an even bigger difference in your community.’
Among last year’s beneficiaries was Guildfordians Rugby Club, which received £8,700 from Sportsmatch for new equipment after securing funding from a group of sponsors for their project to provide community rugby in their town for all ages.
For the coming year, Sport England has made some minor changes to Sportsmatch – it will now accept bids where the sponsor has an existing relationship with the club and isn’t increasing the amount it invests, provided it is for new projects.
