Hexham MP Guy Opperman is encouraging local sports teams and clubs to explore how they can access additional funding from Sport England, as we look ahead to the next phase of COVID restrictions being lifted on 29th March. With just a few weeks until it is anticipated that grassroots sports kicks off again, some clubs may need additional financial support in order to prepare for the re-opening.
Guy Opperman MP said:
‘I really welcome the additional funding that has become available through the £16.5M Return to Play Fund. This fund is targeted in a number of different ways, but it is primarily focussed on supporting community based clubs make a safe return to their sporting activities. For example, this could include contributing to covering the costs incurred by converting existing space to meet social distancing guidelines during activity, or improving a facility’s ventilation. Our local sports teams and clubs are such a vital part of our community life and I would urge organisations to apply for the support which is available.’
Sport England’s website states:
‘Coronavirus has hit the sport and physical activity sector hard and we know things have been tough, so we've modified our funding streams to help people safely return to play and are targeting the places they'll have the biggest impact.’
Details of the ‘Return to Play Fund’ can be found on the Sport England website: https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds