January 15, 2021

Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Carlisle have agreed a £10,000 grant alongside a £10,000 grant from Carlisle City Council to develop a Sports Group Hardship fund in Carlisle. 

Active Cumbria has recently surveyed sports clubs in the area, and determined that a good number are struggling financially in light of the difficulties created by Covid-19. The survey found that sports groups have had a difficult time running regular activities as a result of restrictions to manage Coronavirus, resulting in a lack of income and fewer resources.  

The Sports Group Hardship fund is aimed at supporting these groups to maintain and protect their services and opportunities during this challenging period as we enter another national lockdown.

During the current lockdown, the majority of sports clubs and organisations will be closed, with the only exception to this being organised outdoor sports for disabled people.  The new fund is intended to help sports clubs bounce back after this period of closure.

The fund is available to not for profit sporting organisations and community groups that have reduced financial resources.

Cllr Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:

“I am pleased to announce the development of the Sports Group Hardship fund in Carlisle, with the allocation of £10,000 from both the county and city councils. This is a good example of working in partnership for the benefit of our local communities. 

“Sports groups and clubs provide access to all sorts of activities that help people stay healthy, active and fit. We know the grant fund will help many to protect their services from closure due to the ongoing Covid restrictions, and I’d urge any not-for-profit organisations to come forward and apply for funding.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, said:

“The health and wellbeing of our local residents is one of our top priorities and it’s important that we do all we can to support local sports groups. We need to protect them and their valuable services during these challenging and unprecedented times.”

More information can be found in the PDF Document Carlisle Sports Handship Fund. The fund will be managed through the County Council community grants application process. 

For further information about how to apply for funding, or to discuss the application process, please contact Niall McNulty, Carlisle Community Development Officer at Cumbria County Council niall.mcnulty@cumbria.gov.uk Tel: 07825 340460. or contact our own Aileen Grant, Development Officer with a locality remit for Carlisle.