Second round for sport facilities funding opportunities

Sports clubs in the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire looking to extend or modernise their facilities have another chance to apply for funding.

In total, £50 million of Inspired Facilities funding, provided by the Lottery Plus Partnership, is available until 2014, with money allocated equally over five rounds.

The first round of applications took place in August with Henley Tennis Club being awarded £50,000 towards a new pavillion and Cumnor Cricket Club receiving just under £32,000 to help pay for a new three-bay cricket net. 

Applications for the second round of £10 million funding begins on Wednesday 1 February.  There will be another round later in the year, with the final two in 2013/14, so there will be plenty of opportunities for clubs to apply.

Inspired Facilities is part of the Sport England’s Places People Play initiative, which aims to bring the inspiration and magic of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the heart of local communities.

Up to a thousand grants are available throughout the country between £20,000 and £150,000.  Those applying for funding are required to identify an appropriate amount of money from other sources to support their application.

Applications for the funding can be submitted by any organisation entitled to receive public funding, including voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, sports clubs, playing field associations and educational establishments. 

For further information, to apply for Inspired Facilities funding and for ideas of possible improvements that could be made to your club’s facilities, go to http://inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org/

Cllr Bill Service, cabinet member for leisure at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We have already seen a couple of fantastic examples of what clubs can apply for funding for.  Hopefully many others will be inspired to consider how a similar award could help their club to improve facilties for the benefit of its members and the wider community.”

Cllr Elaine Ware, cabinet member for leisure at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Improvements to sporting facilities can provide a real boost to local communities.  This funding will provide some clubs with a great opportunity to upgrade their facilties, providing more opportunities for people to enjoy sport and help to ensure that 2012 leaves a real legacy in our districts.”