Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Sport and Leisure Grants for Clubs

Overview

Available Funding

The Grant to Clubs category is available to support sports clubs who can clearly demonstrate their potential to  perform at a high level within their respective sports or who aspire to develop within their sport. 

There are three strands available:

1. Education and Competition (up to £1,500)
2. Specialist Equipment with a lifespan exceeding 5 years  (up to £7,500)
3. Facility improvement: for applicants that wish to improve performance and increase participation levels or capacity through minor improvements to facilities  (up to £10,000)

Applicants can apply annually under strand 1.

Applications to strands 2 or 3 will only be accepted from a club every 2 years.

Strand 1 : Education and Competition

50% funded up to a maximum  £1,500. Applicants can apply annually. 

Examples of eligible items (not exhaustive):

• Coaching education courses
• Travel costs to team competitions
• Accommodation to travel to competitions
• Specialist coaching
• Bus hire to travel to specialist competitions
• Set up costs (New clubs only up to £300)

Strand 2: Specialist Equipment

50% funded up to a maximum  of £7,500. Applications will only be accepted from a club every 2 years.

Examples of eligible items (not exhaustive):

• Timing systems
• Tackle bags / contact shields
• Bowling machines

Strand 3: Facility Improvement (Minor Works)

50% funded up to a maximum  of £10,000.  Applications will only be accepted from a club every 2 years.

Examples of eligible items (not exhaustive):

• Club extensions to increase space for increased participation.
• New (not replacement) flood lighting to add playing training time in darker months.
• Changing facilities to attract new sections of the community i.e. female, male, disability.
• Primary works to a new pitch or sports surface.

Evaluation Criteria

If your sports club has met all of the eligibility conditions, we will use the following criteria to score your application: 

1. Compliance with good governance: Constitution, Organisation’s Management/Development Plan, Sports Development Plan,  Equal Opportunities (only if you employ staff), Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk of Harm policy
2. Key Achievements over the last 12 months: e.g. results, new members etc.
3. Levels of membership in the club e.g. Juniors, Seniors, Women, Men, Vets, Individuals with Special requirements
4. How will the grant enhance club development.
   The project is clearly defined well planned and has provided excellent rationale and evidence to justify investment: e.g. Increased number of participants, increased number of club categories, improved performance levels, engagement with the community / schools/ other organisations, new education opportunities

Useful definitions

• National level: e.g. Regional league, country competition
• Local level e.g. local leagues and competitions
• Levels of membership within the club e.g. Juniors, Seniors, Women, Men, Vets, Individuals with Special requirements (6 categories)