£500,000 lifeline for 250 grassroots sports clubs
Footballing legends Shearer and Souness back 18th year of community sports investment.
Flutter UK and Ireland continues to invest in grassroots sport through its £500,000 ($635,000) Cash4Clubs program, now in its 18th year.
Footballing legends Graeme Souness and Alan Shearer revealed the first winners: 250 neighborhood sports and fitness clubs across the UK and Ireland will each receive grants to fund coaching, marketing, or equipment.
Souness delivered news of a £2,000 grant to Easthouses Lily Miners Welfare FC in Midlothian, a club serving one of Scotland's most deprived communities. "This is the real deal when you come down to this level. They're doing it for the love of the game, for the love of their community."
Alan Shearer recorded a video message for Newcastle Panthers FC, the only LGBTQIA+ friendly football team in the North East. "The award recognizes the incredible work you're doing bringing people together, keeping adults active and helping grassroots football thrive."
Almost 1,500 community organizations bid for grants. Winners include clubs in roller derby, walking netball, boxing, wheelchair sports, and more. Nearly half are based in the most deprived parts of the UK and Ireland, and nearly 60% support clubs serving people experiencing mental health challenges.
Since launch, Cash4Clubs has invested more than £7 million into grassroots sport.
According to recent research, 40% of adult grassroots sports clubs are canceling services due to financial pressures, with a quarter at risk of closure without external funding within 12 months.
This year's funding will engage 37,071 current participants, with 13,623 new participants expected to join.
Kevin Harrington, CEO of Flutter UK and Ireland, said: "Community clubs are the bedrock of sport in the UK and Ireland. Many operate on shoestring budgets, yet they deliver extraordinary impact. Without support from programs such as Cash4Clubs, many of these vital community institutions simply won't survive."
Sarah Kaye, CEO of Sported, added: "These grants will make a real difference to thousands of people who might otherwise be excluded from sport and physical activity."
For more information, please contact corporatemedia@flutter.com. Sign up to email alerts here.