The Government has switched the green light on a new €40 million round of Sports Capital Grant funding with the application process opening up on Friday, December 11th.

Sport for Business and 2Into3 will host another of its popular Application Masterclasses the following Monday, December 14th to give clubs from across the sporting spectrum a clear and concise guide to give them their best shot at completing a winning submission.

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop their sporting infrastructure.

The closing date for applications will be on February 12th but clubs need to have registered on the official Government website by February 1st.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised how important sport is to our society,” said Minister for ~Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.

“As well as the pleasure and excitement generated by watching our sporting heroes, actively engaging in sport is critical for our physical and mental wellbeing.”

“To allow as many people participate as possible, it is essential to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment available. To assist in this regard, I am delighted that we are making €40 million available for sports clubs and community groups right across the country.”

Since the scheme was first published over €130 million has been distributed to clubs across every sport.

42% Success Rate

The last scheme in 2019 saw 2,377 applications of which 994 across 37 different sports were successful.

This year’s programme will have a particular emphasis and likely weighting towards encouraging women’s sport.

“Recent findings have noted that the gender gap in active participation in sport is now at its lowest level, according to data published by Sport Ireland,” added Minister Martin.

“The government is committed to prioritising increasing female involvement in sport as participants, coaches, referees and administrators. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme will help that important aim. Furthermore, it will boost participation in disadvantaged areas and ensure that those in every part of society can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of sport and exercise.”

“If we are to achieve our ambitious targets in relation to sports participation we need to continue to invest in facilities and particularly target areas with lower levels of participation,” added Minister of State Jack Chambers.

“The new programme will again prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, applications which will increase participation including female participation and disabled users and those which share facilities with other users and the wider community.

“It has been a tough year for many sports clubs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis but the new round of the programme now provides an opportunity for clubs to make real improvements to their facilities.”

“We also want to make the applications process as user-friendly as possible so all of the improvements from an applicant’s perspective which were trialled in recent rounds are being retained for this round.”

There will be a challenge for clubs to raise their own funds that are needed to trigger the grants but the difference they will enable in communities makes it an exercise well worthwhile doing.

The Sport for Business / 2Into3 Sports Club Application Masterclass will cover:

  • What success looked like last time around?
  • Which sports had the greatest success?
  • What was the divide between urban and rural clubs?
  • What were the key factors common to the winning applications?
  • What do you need to do now to be ready?

Click here To book one of the limited number of places on the valuable session.

 

Sport for Business Partners