View the original article from Sport England here.
Sport England’s Return to Play Fund is now open to applications from local authorities, leisure operators and other not-for-profit organisations needing funding to repair flood damage.
Emergency flood relief funding is being made available to community sports clubs and not-for-profit organisations to help them restore flood-damaged facilities.
Organisations from the areas worst affected by recent flooding caused by Storms Christoph and Darcy are now eligible to apply to Sport England’s Return to Play Fund, which has been bolstered by the addition of a targeted flood relief option.
While the effects of the recent flooding are still being assessed, they want to ensure sport and physical activity facilities aren’t forgotten and are ready to open when lockdown restrictions are eased.
“This flooding has added another significant obstacle for clubs and operators of facilities to overcome in order to facilitate a safe return to play, just at a time when it was least needed,” said Charles Johnston, the executive director of property.
“By adding a flood relief option to the Return to Play Fund, we hope to make it easier for organisations to recover from yet another setback and be ready to welcome back participants when restrictions ease to allow for the reopening of sport and physical activity facilities.
“Community sports facilities play a vital role in the physical and mental wellbeing of their participants and now, more than ever, we want them to be able to fulfil that role when allowed to do so.”
They are focusing on areas they know to be the worst affected and will keep this list under regular review.
Applications from other areas may be considered, but this will be done on a case-by-case basis.
At present, the list of worst affected areas comprises of:
The chief executive officer of Active Gloucestershire, Tom Beasley, welcomed news of the funding, and hopes facilities can be back up and running for when they’re allowed to reopen.
“Whilst tackling coronavirus remains the nation’s priority, we know flood waters can cause significant damage to sports pitches, pavilions, changing and social facilities,” he said.
“It’s important that we provide hope to the clubs, players and volunteers whose facilities are flooded that they will return to play, in the not too distant future.
“The impact of localised floods is far reaching and we welcome Sport England’s timely intervention to offer support to help clubs plan remedial works to enable them to return to play, when safe to do so.
“In these challenging times we urge clubs to follow the web guidance on recovering flood-damaged facilities.”
Your organisation can apply if you’re:
The grants could be used to restore grass and artificial pitches, to repair and decontaminate flooded clubhouses, replace damaged electrical systems or to clear blocked drains.
Other expenditures could include the hire of skips, pressure hoses or dehumidifiers – but only for use when safe to do so.
Football projects offered as part of a multi-sport site are eligible to apply.
Funding won’t be provided to cover the loss of income or bar stock etc., as we’re currently in a national lockdown that precludes people from taking part in sports activities.
Routine maintenance and repairs resulting from wear and tear will also not be covered.
Football-only projects won’t be funded as Sport England already directly fund the Football Foundation, which funds a range of football projects. If you have a football-only project, they suggest contacting your county football association.
Your application method will depend on the amount you’re applying for.
You’ll need to submit a photo of your flood-damaged facility with your application.
They aim to give you a decision in three weeks.
If you’re unsure of the requirements of the fund, or need assistance with your application, please call us on 03458 508 508, or email Sport England.
