Fund gives groups a sporting chance

COMMUNITY clubs and voluntary groups in Liverpool are set to benefit from a £50,000 cash boost aimed at getting local people active.

Liverpool Sports Forum, in partnership with Liverpool Sport and Physical Activity Alliance, has launched a new grants programme for voluntary organisations in the city to help them develop sport and physical activity opportunities for local people.  

The aim of the funding is to help clubs and voluntary groups purchase new equipment, train coaches, officials or volunteers, establish new teams and activities and produce publicity materials.

Organisations can also apply for grants to organise sports events, obtain professional advice and set up taster sessions for schools or local community groups.

Lib Dem Councillor Colin Eldridge, Executive Member for Leisure and Community Safety, said: "Liverpool's community sports groups play a vital role in providing healthy and enjoyable activities for people of all ages. They help broaden local people's horizons and raise their aspirations - and we're committed to supporting their work. 

"By working with Liverpool Sports Forum to set up this grants programme, we want to further strengthen the city's sports voluntary sector. We hope it will help scores of local sports clubs realise their dreams, develop their ideas and deliver really top class services.''

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500 each. All applications will be expected to demonstrate how the project will create new sports opportunities and attract new participants into sport.

Sports clubs must also demonstrate how they will use the grant to work towards achieving governing body club accreditation - such as Clubmark, FA Charter Mark or equivalent - if they have not achieved this status already.

Stuart Wade, Chairman of Liverpool Sports Forum, said: ''This grant programme will allow us to support clubs and voluntary groups and enable them to build their capacity, which will in turn lead to increases in membership and sports participation. 

"Liverpool Sports Forum would like to thank Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Active City for providing us with the financial support required to create this new funding opportunity.''

In order to qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be based within the City of Liverpool (and draw the majority of members/participants from within Liverpool).
Be a club or voluntary group from which no individuals make a financial gain.
Have a constitution and bank account with a minimum of two signatories.
Be able to deliver the project and fully expend any grant award by 31 March 2008 at the latest.

To obtain an application form and further details, please contact 0151 233 6336 or 0151 233 5277. Applications must be returned by 
31 October 2007.