Sport England launches Storm Relief Fund

Storm-damaged facilities could soon be back up and running thanks to Sport England's new Storm Relief Fund.

Organisations with facilities – such as clubhouses, courts and pitches – affected by the recent storms can now apply for grants of up to £15,000 after they added an emergency storm damage option to their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund.

Whilst the effects of the recent storms and the subsequent flood damage are still being assessed, Sport England want to ensure community sports facilities aren’t forgotten and are ready to reopen as soon as possible.

The money could be used to repair storm-damaged building and roofs, grass and artificial pitches, decontaminate flooded clubhouses, replace damaged electrical systems or clear blocked drains.

Other items needed may include the hire of skips, pressure hoses or tarpaulins to secure exposed buildings (for use only when safe to do so).

Clubs should, in the first instance, contact their insurers to ensure none of the damage incurred is covered under their insurance policy.

The Storm Relief Fund won’t be able to fund the loss of income, barring stock etc., or the routine maintenance and repairs resulting from everyday wear and tear.

Any works covered by your insurance policy would also be ineligible for funding.

Your organisation can apply if you’re responsible for the facility and:

• a not-for-profit voluntary group or sports organisation
• a not-for-profit community club or organisation
• a registered charity
• a not-for-profit company
• a community interest company (CIC) with three directors or other social enterprise
• a leisure operator, operating a single site
• a public body such as a local authority, parish or town council, education establishment (you will need to provide £:£ matched funding).

For further information, head to the following link: https://www.sportengland.org/news/emergency-funding-available-storm-damaged-facilities