North West Clubs Receive £40k Funding Boost

Over the past few months, the NWCU has been helping clubs to access over £40,000 worth of funding from a range of grants. This funding will help clubs to develop their facilities, their players and their communities.

In total 11 clubs were successful with the three primary funding sources being the NWCU Club Facility Fund, Rural Micro Capital Grants and Every Body Active 2020.

The NWCU Club Facility Fund will help enable over £25,000 of investment this spring. Some of the items that clubs have been awarded funding are new drainage, new kitchen facilities, new toilets and ground equipment including covers and artificial wickets.

The Department of Communities Rural Micro Capital Grant, which was administered through RAPID (Rural Area Partnership In Derry) has helped to fund coaching equipment, storage containers, clubhouse equipment and ground equipment.

Clubs were also successful with the Derry City and Strabane District Councils EBA2020. This funding came as part of Sport Northern Ireland Every Body Active 2020 program with clubs receiving funding for coaching, equipment and coach education.

Peter McCartney, NWCU General Manager, was delighted with the news:

“These funding streams are a significant boost for the clubs, and it will allow for crucial investment in areas such as facilities, youth coaching and equipment.

The NWCU Club Facility Fund is now in its second year with the aim of assisting long-term sustainability of clubs. The fund has already helped to support over £50,000 in capital improvements for our local clubs, and it’s certainly something I would be looking to expand in 2018.

It’s also encouraging to see clubs being proactive and secure other funding such as the Rural Micro Capital Grants and Everybody Active 2020. There is some excellent work being done by volunteers at club level, and it’s great to see further investment into the sport.”

These funds are in addition to the funding that the North West Active Clubs Program was already supporting clubs with throughout the year. This funding is set to continue with some opportunities for clubs to avail of extra money to develop their clubs.

For more information on funds that are available to your club through the Active Clubs Program or from other sources, please contact colin.manson@cricketireland.ie