We have launched two new funding grants to encourage more people to get active and join local sports clubs and groups.

As part of our ‘Torbay on the Move’ strategy which is supported by an investment of £150k after years of under investment into local sport, ‘Back to Sport’ and ‘Believe to Achieve’ grant funding will help local sports clubs to encourage more people to get into sport and support local talented athletes to keep pursuing their sporting goals and careers.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the ‘Back to Sport’ fund to help clubs that may be struggling to attract the same number of participants as before the pandemic. Meanwhile, ‘Believe to Achieve’ grants of up to £1,000 will be available to support talented athletes with the costs associated with their training, equipment and competition fees and expenses.

The ‘Back to Sport’ grant has been divided into two funding streams, one aimed at the delivery of sporting activities and could include financial support to help host an event, activity or performance or to set up a new group. The second could be used for minor facilities alterations, service alterations including volunteer training, facility hire or coaching costs, or operational alterations.

‘Believe to Achieve’ grants will be awarded three times per year, with panel reviews taking place in April, August and December.

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said; “After years of under investment into local sport, we want to show our commitment and support not only to local sports clubs, but to the sporting talent of tomorrow so they can flourish and thrive in their chosen fields. Training costs, travel, equipment and competition fees can soon mount up and we don’t want these to become financial hurdles that prevent our promising athletes from achieving their full potential.”

Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, said; “Sports clubs have really suffered over the last twelve months, even prior to the pandemic they operated on a shoestring budget and rely heavily on volunteers. Through the ‘Back to Sport’ fund we want to help local sports clubs, whether that be for kit or the purchase of equipment, or perhaps vital pitch renovation works.”

In addition to the £150k already committed to help local sports clubs the council are talking to clubs about opportunities to invest in changing facilities.

All Torbay sports clubs are encouraged to learn more about the Torbay on the Move grants on the council’s website: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/sports/sports-grants/

Information and advice on all aspects of sports in Torbay can be found via: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/sports