Council opens applications for £12,000 Community Sport Inclusion Fund

A total of £12,000 is available, with grants of up to £1,000 offered to eligible clubs. The funding is intended to support projects that engage underrepresented groups in sport, specifically women and girls, individuals with disabilities, and teenage boys. Clubs can use the funding to expand existing activities or develop new initiatives that encourage greater involvement in sport within the local community.

The initiative is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to the Rossendale Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, which sets out a borough-wide ambition to create more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable ways for residents to be active.

Natalie Atkinson, Programme Manager for Sport and Physical Activity at Rossendale Borough Council, said: “We’re pleased to offer this targeted funding to clubs that are working to reduce barriers to participation. Our aim is to support practical projects that enable more people to take part in physical activity in a way that suits them.”

Councillor Liz McInnes, Lead Member for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing added: “This fund supports our wider strategy to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across the borough. By focusing on inclusivity and targeted support, we’re helping to ensure that community sport remains relevant, accessible and responsive to local needs.”

Applications for the grant fund are now open, and further information is available on the council’s website.