£34,000 fund opened to boost community sports activity

Grassroots sports clubs across West Suffolk can now apply for grants from a £34,000 council fund designed to increase participation and activity.

West Suffolk Council’s Capital Sports Fund is offering grants of between £200 and £1,000 to community sports clubs.

The money can be used to support capital costs such as playing and training equipment, kit, and other items such as first aid equipment.

The aim is through this, the clubs will be able to take on new members, create additional teams and alongside the increased participation will enhance their offer to the local community.

It’s the second round of grants under the Capital Sports Fund.

Earlier this year West Suffolk Council supported 18 community sports clubs with over £14,700 of funding using money allocated to the authority from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Ian Shipp, cabinet member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: “Sports participation can bring huge benefits to the health and wellbeing of people of all ages and is part of the council’s strategic priority for Thriving Communities. It brings people together, forges friendships, creates a sense of pride and belonging and it can also reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“I’m proud to live in Mildenhall which was last year named as Suffolk’s Most Active Town and I’m keen to help get even more people across West Suffolk more active.

“That’s why I am delighted to reopen our Capital Sports Fund to applications to help boost participation and activity for the benefit of West Suffolk residents.”

West Suffolk Council is using £34,053 from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation from Central Government to provide the grants.

The deadline for applications is January 24. Grants should also be spent by March 31, 2025, and cannot be paid as retrospective funding for project costs already incurred.

Applications will be assessed and all grants are subject to criteria in line with UKSPF.

Anyone interested in applying or finding out should email policy@westsuffolk.gov.uk and request a Capital Sports Fund application form.