Grants for Sport and Leisure Clubs (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Grants to Clubs programme supports voluntary sports clubs in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough with funding for coaching and competition, specialised sports equipment, and facility improvements. Eligible clubs can receive 50% funding, with maximum grants of £1,500 for coaching and competition, £7,500 for specialised equipment, and £10,000 for facility improvements. What Is the Grants to Clubs Programme? The Grants to Clubs programme is designed to strengthen the development and sustainability of sports clubs across the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The programme provides targeted financial support for projects that respond to demonstrated needs within the local sporting community. Provide the required organisational and financial documentation. The programme is intended for established community sports clubs rather than commercial or profit-making sporting businesses. Additional Requirements for Facility Projects Clubs applying for facility improvement funding must demonstrate that they have the legal right to use and improve the relevant facility.

Applicants should provide evidence of:

Facility ownership; or A valid lease or other appropriate tenure documentation. This helps establish that the proposed works can legally and practically be undertaken by the applicant. Required Documents Applicants should be prepared to provide supporting documentation, including: Club constitution. Financial statements. Bank statement, where applicable. Evidence of facility ownership or lease for facility applications. Information demonstrating the sporting need for the proposed project. Relevant project and cost information. Newly established groups may be required to provide a bank statement instead of historical financial statements. Why This Funding Matters The programme helps local sports clubs overcome practical barriers that can limit participation and sporting development.

Funding can help clubs:

Train coaches and officials. Improve the quality of sporting provision. Purchase long-lasting specialist equipment. Upgrade facilities. Increase participation. Expand club capacity. Improve athlete and team performance. Strengthen the long-term sustainability of community sports. The emphasis on evidence-based need means clubs should clearly explain why the proposed investment is necessary and how it will benefit members or the wider sporting community. How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the Project Category

Determine whether your project falls under: Coaching and competition. Specialised equipment. Facility improvement or development.

Step 2: Demonstrate the Need

Explain the specific problem the project will address.

For example, a club could demonstrate:

A shortage of qualified coaches. Outdated specialist equipment. Insufficient facility capacity. Barriers preventing new participants from joining. Facility conditions affecting performance or participation.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Calculate the total eligible project cost and determine the amount of grant support required. Remember that the programme provides 50% funding, subject to the applicable maximum grant.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare the club constitution, financial information, and any other documentation required for the selected funding category. Facility projects should also include evidence of ownership or lease arrangements.

Step 5: Confirm the Project Has Not Started

Do not begin the project before receiving the relevant funding approval. Projects that have already commenced are not eligible.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete the grant application with clear information about: The project. The evidence of need. Expected benefits. Project costs. Club contribution. Supporting documentation. What Funding Cannot Be Used For The programme does not support several types of expenditure.

Grant funding cannot be used for:

Projects that have already started. Salaries. Equipment hire. Clothing. Club membership costs. Insurance. Alcohol. Refreshments. General running costs. Facility improvements where poor management has been identified. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenditure directly relates to an eligible development project. Tips for a Strong Application Clearly Explain the Sporting Need Do not simply state that equipment or facility improvements are required. Provide evidence explaining the problem and its effect on participation, performance, coaching, or club capacity. Connect the Project to Participation Where possible, explain how the project will help attract new members, retain existing participants, or remove barriers to participation. Provide a Realistic Budget Ensure that the requested amount corresponds with eligible project costs and that the club can meet its required contribution. Demonstrate Good Governance A properly constituted club with clear financial records and fair, equitable practices is better positioned to demonstrate its readiness to manage grant funding. Do Not Start Work Before Approval Starting a project before funding approval can make the expenditure ineligible. Clubs should wait for the relevant decision before committing to the project. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can a sports club receive? Clubs can receive up to 50% of eligible costs, subject to maximum grants of £1,500 for coaching and competition, £7,500 for specialised equipment, and £10,000 for facility improvements. Who can apply for the Grants to Clubs programme? Voluntary and properly constituted sports clubs based in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough can apply if their sport is recognised by Sport NI or an Irish or UK registered governing body. Can the grant pay for sports clothing? No. Clothing is an ineligible expense under the programme. Can funding be used to pay club salaries? No. Salary costs are not eligible for funding. Can a club apply for facility improvements? Yes. Eligible clubs can apply for facility improvement or development projects, subject to the programme’s