Cash-strapped community clubs earn share of £400,000 windfall through ‘Cash4Clubs’ programme… after Flutter UKI doubled the fund amid unprecedented applications

Cash-strapped community clubs will receive a share of £400,000 after Flutter UKI revealed the winning bids for its ‘Cash4Clubs’ grassroots sports programme.

A total of 200 clubs have received grants of £2,000 from betting and gaming group Flutter UKI, home to Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, Betfair and tombola.

Flutter UKI originally set aside £200,000 for this year’s Cash4Clubs programme, but doubled the fund after receiving an unprecedented 1,282 registrations.

Community clubs and charities could bid for funding from the grassroots programme.

The grants can be used to improve facilities, purchase new equipment and help fund coaching programs.

Taibach Tigers Rounders Club in Wales is one of the clubs to receive £2,000 in funding

Funds can also be used to invest in increasing the sustainability of clubs and charities.

Flutter UKI said this year a particular focus was placed on clubs in impoverished areas and clubs seeking to reach under-represented communities.

“Community clubs are the foundation of sport in Britain and we are committed to helping small clubs make a real difference to people’s lives,” said Ian Brown, CEO of Flutter UKI.

‘I’m delighted that we have been able to double the size of this year’s Cash4Clubs fund to £400,000 after seeing a record number of applications.

‘We are confident that Cash4Clubs will have a real impact in the areas where it is needed most.’

The announcement of the grassroots program award winners is coming just months after the Minister of Culture Lucy Frazer announced British government‘Get Active’ strategy.

The strategy aims to encourage participation in sport by improving access to physical activity.

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew believes the Cash4Clubs fund can help achieve the Government’s ambition.

The government has supported the Cash4Clubs program’s efforts to support community clubs

‘The Cash4Clubs fund will help deliver our ambition to get an additional 3.5 million adults and children physically active by 2030, and will provide important support to community sports clubs.

‘Staying active is essential for our health and wellbeing. That’s why the Government is investing over £400 million in basic facilities to ensure every community has access to the facilities they need.”

Applications were divided into UK regions, with Flutter UKI working with leading UK sports association Sported to deliver the programme.

Team Solent Sharks Wheelchair Rugby Club are among five recipients from the South East region to have secured funding.

The club needed funding to survive and continue to compete in national competitions.

Similarly, the Taibach Tigers rounders club will use funding to ensure their women’s teams can continue in the local competition.

“It’s fantastic that we have been awarded a Cash4Clubs grant,” said Taibach Tigers captain Hayley Williams.

“We are happy and excited to see how we can improve the team and attract new members to the sport.”

Funding will help Team Solent Sharks Wheelchair Rugby Club to compete nationally

The Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, based in Todmorden in Yorkshire, is another of the 200 recipients of funding.

The academy will use the funding to continue to provide affordable access to physical activity to the local community, with the grants also directly supporting roles including the role of head coach.

Flutter UKI said almost £5 million has been invested in community projects through its brands since Cash4Clubs launched in 2008.

The group highlighted that research shows that for every £1 invested in sport, an average of £6 is returned in social value.

For more information about Cash4Clubs, visit www.cash-4-clubs.com