Clubs benefit from grants

Medway Falcons Handball Club are among many organisations in Kent to take advantage of a £195m government support package.

Funding is being made available to help sports clubs, community sport and physical activity organisations who are struggling because of the coronavirus crisis. Sport England has said the money will help their partners, clubs and community organisations cope with the short and longterm impact of the pandemic. Alicia Neville, secretary and funding officer of the Medway Falcons, said: “When we were alerted to the fund we quickly came to the decision that, because many of our players and players’ parents may be in times of financial uncertainty, we should apply to try and secure a future for our club post-lockdown.

“We are a small club and we have limited funds to keep us afloat, so the Emergency Funding from Sport England has saved us from financial difficulty.”

Kent Sport, meanwhile, have launched their Everyday Active Small Grant, in partnership with Kent Trust for Youth Sport, in which approximately £40,000 of funding is being provided. Olympia Boxing, from Maidstone, recently received a National Lottery grant from Kent Sport through the Satellite Club programme. Director Wayne Smith said: “The process of applying for funding was very simple and quick. Kent Sport is also there to help you through the application if you get stuck.” Kent Sport posts regular funding updates on its website to help local clubs with their applications.