Further grants awarded to help more people afford and enjoy sport

Grants have been awarded to a further 11 clubs to help support more people enjoy and access the health and social benefits of sport.

This year’s second round of the Sport and Active Leisure Grants focuses on supporting clubs and local people through the cost-of-living crisis, by helping those who may find it difficult to afford sport, leisure and physical activity.

A total of £7,853 has been awarded this round, in addition to mental health training for each organisation to help raise awareness in sport. This follows the first round of grants that were awarded earlier in year, when 26 clubs benefited from a total of £16,790.

The successful clubs include:

York Down’s Syndrome Support Group - will now offer their younger members access to football.

Bootham Ladies’ Futsal Club York - will reduce the cost of the sessions over the Christmas and New Year period.

York Canoe Club – will buy equipment for members and will support new members joining.

Foxwood Tai Chi Group - will provide free Tai Chi classes for members aged 60+ to help improve fitness and balance, prevent falls and support mental health and wellbeing.

Wheldrake Cricket Club - will reduce their running costs, a saving which will be passed on to members to help keep player engagement and participation levels as high as possible.

Councillor Jo Coles, Executive Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Culture at City of York Council, said:

“Sports clubs across our city do lots of amazing work getting people in their local communities engaged and involved. But the cost-of-living crisis means that finances are often stretched.

“These grants are awarded to support clubs and help make sport and activity more accessible to anybody that wants to take part, especially those who are often under-represented. I hope the mental health training will also be helpful in raising awareness and encouraging wellbeing champions.

“Thank you to all the organisations that applied, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact this funding has in our local communities.”