The Sported Foundation (Sported UK) has partnered with Barclays to provide the Barclays Community Football Fund, offering small grants, training, kit, and exclusive ticketing offers to clubs across the UK to make football more accessible within communities.
After a successful launch last year, the programme has opened for 2023 and will provide grants as well as exclusive offers for groups delivering football activities to the most underrepresented groups, particularly:
o Girls (Sported is especially keen to support girls football teams).
o Women.
o Young people from racially diverse communities.
o Young people from the LGBTQ+ community.
o Young people from lower socio-economic groups, and
o Young people with a disability.
New groups that have not previously received a grant from the Barclays Community Football Fund may apply for a grant of up to £500. Groups may only apply for one grant award, rather than make multiple applications. Applications may be made by not-for-profit organisations, youth clubs, community groups and football teams, providing they meet the following eligibility criteria:
o Are already include an offering for girls OR are wanting to start delivering girls' football.
o Are keen to learn more about how to engage with new, underrepresented audiences.
o Deliver football activities to young people (up to and including 24 years of age) OR are wanting to start.
o Have a bank account in the name of their organisation.
o Have a constitution or Articles of Association.
o Have a health and safety policy and any relevant risk assessments.
o Have a Safeguarding policy (which has been updated within the last two years).
o Have the aspiration and capacity to grow their membership of young people from under-represented groups. This includes girls, young people with disabilities, from culturally diverse communities and from the LGBTQ+ community, and
o Have up to date and relevant insurance.
Examples of how grants can be used include (please note that this is not an exclusive list):
o Coaching.
o Equipment and kit.
o Hiring venues.
o Insurances and membership fees.
o Training and qualifications, and
o Volunteer expenses.
Funding is not available for:
o Clubs and groups who have already received a grant from the Barclays Community Football Fund.
o Multiple teams or projects within the same organisation, or
o Schools and other educational establishments.
Further information, guidance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and details about how to apply is available on the Sported Foundation's website. New applicants to the Fund will be required to register before they can access the application form.
Applications may be made at any time up to the final deadline of Sunday 31st December 2023 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Sported has stated that the Fund may close early if it becomes oversubscribed. Early application is therefore advised.
