By Gary Anderson

October 21 - Sport England has announced the bidding process for the latest round of Inspired Facilities funding is now openCommunity and sports clubs across England can now apply for funding through the Inspired Facilities Olympic and Paralympic legacy fund as Sport England has announced that the bidding process is officially opened today.


In August, Sport England announced a further £40 million ($62 million/€47 million) of National Lottery funding will be available to extend the programme through to 2017 and in this latest tranche of funding, £15million ($24 million/€18 million) is being made available for community sports groups and clubs to avail of.

Clubs and groups can apply for financial assistance under five categories, including building modernisation, outdoor sports lighting, outdoor sports surfaces, community club buildings and sports equipment, under the campaign which aims to build a sustainable legacy after London 2012.

"Inspired Facilities is one of our most popular funds, showing the importance of good, local sports facilities; not only do they improve the sporting experience of existing users they also help attract new ones," said Nick Bitel, chairman of Sport England.

"With £15 million ($24 million/€18 million) of lottery funding available and a further £40 million ($62 million/€47 million) over coming rounds, there are plenty of opportunities to benefit from this fund."

In the first four rounds of funding so far, £71 million ($115 million/€83 million) has been invested in more than 530 projects, claimed Sport England.

One of those projects to benefit from funding is Wigan Judo Club, which used a £50,000 ($81,000/€59,000) grant from Sport England to renovate an old warehouse and create a new dojo after the old club building was irreparably damaged following an arson attack in 2006.

The Inspired Legacy fund helps community and sports clubs improve existing and build new facilitiesThe Inspired Legacy fund helps community and sports clubs improve existing and build new facilities


























"It is no exaggeration to say Sport England's support has given Wigan Judo Club a new lease of life," said Wigan Judo Club head coach, Phil Sullivan.

"We've turned around from struggling in the doldrums and facing obsolescence to looking forward to the future with eager anticipation.

"It's not just a question of the grants - although these have allowed us to renovate a new facility and create a dedicated dojo and training suite - but the support, insight and motivation provided by the Inspired Facilities team have been a real boost to morale.

"We're about to place some junior competitors in the National Championships, which would have been unthinkable just one year ago."

In this latest round of funding, community and voluntary organisations are able to bid for grants of between £20,000 ($32,000/€23,000) and £50,000 ($81,000/€59,000), with other organisations such as councils and schools able to apply for grants of up to £150,000 ($242,000/€176,000).

Applicants whose projects will benefit disadvantaged young people will also be invited to apply for funding from the Thomas Cook's Children's Charity, Sport England's partner for Inspired Facilities.

"Sport England's Inspired Facilities legacy fund is giving a huge boost to community sport and transforming local sports facilities across the country," said recently appointed Sports Minister, Helen Grant.

"Well over a thousand sport clubs have benefited from this fund and with £15 million ($24 million/€18 million) of National Lottery available in the next round this investment will help even more clubs upgrade their facilities."

To find out more about the Inspired Facilities programme and to apply for funding click here.


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