Council Launches Community Sports Grant

September 6, 2017

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched an exciting community sports grant programme to the value of £42,456, which will help sports clubs, community groups and sporting governing bodies increase participation in sport in their local area.

The small grants programme entitled, ‘Be Active, Stay Active Awards’ was developed in conjunction with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Sport Northern Ireland.  The aim of the programme is to prioritise the development of grassroots sports projects which will address the continued under-representation in sport amongst women and girls, people with disabilities and people living in areas of greatest need.

Groups can apply for grants from £500 - £2,500 and eligible groups include Governing Bodies of Sport (recognised by Sport NI), Sports Clubs (affiliated to a Governing Body of Sport recognised by Sport NI), Charities (with a registered charity number), Parent Teacher Associations and Community/Voluntary Groups.

Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley said, “The Council is delighted to be working in conjunction with Sport NI to provide funding to groups who play a vital role in tackling health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing opportunities in their local area.

“The ‘Be Active, Stay Active Awards’ will support eligible groups in the development of grassroots sports projects that will improve participation levels in sport amongst under-represented groups and in areas of greatest need. It is hoped the funding will help make a difference to the lives of local people and empower groups to influence activities in their community.”

Alderman James Tinsley added, “The current round of funding opens on Monday 11th September at 12 noon and closes on Friday 13th October at 12 noon and I would encourage as many eligible groups as possible to apply.  The Council is also holding two information roadshows to showcase the funding opportunities available on Wednesday 13th September at 7pm at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex in Lisburn and Thursday 14th September at 7pm at Lough Moss Leisure Centre in Carryduff.”

For further details and a copy of the grant application form and guidance notes, please visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/things-to-do/sports-development/be-active-stay-active-awards-grant. Funding opens on Monday 11th September at 12 noon and closes on Friday 13th October at 12 noon