The UK and Ireland division of Flutter, a leading industry giant, has announced the launch of its 2024 Cash4Clubs program. This initiative aims to provide £400,000 in funding to support grassroots sports clubs and charities across the UK and Ireland.
The program is designed to enhance physical activity in local communities by offering grants of £2,000 to 200 clubs. These grants will help clubs improve their facilities, purchase new equipment, and run coaching programs.
Last year, the Cash4Clubs program had a significant impact, engaging over 9,000 people in various sports such as dance, swimming, archery, and wheelchair rugby. Notable beneficiaries included Gosport Bowmen Archery Club, London Wheelchair Rugby Club, and Basa, a fitness group for women over 60 based in Rochdale.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, Chair of the cross-party CMS Select Committee, encouraged clubs to apply, stating, “These grants help clubs do vital work in communities, bringing people together and encouraging active lifestyles.”
Since its inception in 2008, Cash4Clubs has invested nearly £6 million into community sports. Ian Brown, CEO of Flutter UKI, emphasized the program’s potential, saying, “The benefits of sport are priceless, and this funding can make a real difference, especially in areas that need it most.”
Applications for the 2024 program are open until mid-November. The program, run in partnership with the charity Sported, will focus on supporting clubs in deprived areas to increase participation in physical activity.
Key details of the 2024 Cash4Clubs program
- Funding Amount: £400,000;
- Number of Grants: 200 grants of £2,000 each;
- Eligibility: Grassroots sports clubs and charities across the UK and Ireland;
- Application Period: Open until mid-November 2024;
- Focus Areas: Improving facilities, purchasing equipment, and running coaching programs, with a focus on clubs in deprived areas;
Impact and partnerships
The program aligns with Sport England’s 10-year strategy to improve lives and communities through sports and physical activity. Despite some recovery in sports participation post-pandemic, ongoing barriers to participation remain, with two in five adults in England not meeting recommended activity guidelines.
Flutter UKI is collaborating with the charity Sported to manage the program. Last year’s success stories included Welcome House Hull, which used the grant to establish Acorn FC, a football team composed entirely of refugees and asylum seekers.
Sarah Kaye, Chief Executive of Sported, highlighted the growing financial challenges faced by grassroots groups and the importance of the partnership with Flutter.
Application requirements
- Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations, including charities, community groups, and traditional sports clubs;
- Focus on Adults: The 2024 program is exclusively focused on supporting adult clubs (18+ years old);
- Supporting Documents: Governing document, bank statement, financial accounts, and adult safeguarding policy (if applicable);
- Funding Usage: The funding must be spent within a six-month period;
- Reporting Requirements: A short feedback form and potential grant audit;
For further information and to apply, visit Cash4Clubs or contact [email protected].
