- Flutter UKI initially set aside £200,000 in funding for this year’s programme
- The fund was doubled after 1,282 applications were made by clubs and charities
- Grants of £2,000 each will help improve facilities, equipment and coaching
Cash-strapped community clubs will receive a share of £400,000 fund after Flutter UKI revealed the winning bids for its ‘Cash4Clubs’ grassroots sports programme.
A total of 200 clubs have been awarded grants of £2,000 from the betting and gaming group Flutter UKI, the home to Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, Betfair and tombola.
Flutter UKI originally set aside £200,000 for this year’s Cash4Clubs programme, but doubled the fund after receiving an unprecedented 1,282 applications.
Community clubs and charities were able to bid for funding from the grassroots programme.
The grants can be used to improve facilities, purchase new equipment and help fund coaching programmes.

Flutter UKI have awarded £400,000 worth of funding in this year’s Cash4Clubs programme

The Taibach Tigers Rounders Club in Wales is one of the clubs to receive £2,000 in funding
Funds could also be used to invest in to boost the sustainability of the clubs and charities.
Flutter UKI said a particular focus this year was placed on clubs in impoverished areas and those aiming to reach under-represented communities.
‘Community clubs are the bedrock of sport in the UK and we are committed to doing everything we can to help small clubs make a real difference to people’s lives,’ said Ian Brown, Flutter UKI chief executive.
‘I’m delighted we were able to double the size of this year’s Cash4Clubs fund to £400,000 after seeing a record number of applications come in.
‘We are convinced Cash4Clubs will have a real impact in those areas that need it most.’
The announcement of the award winners from the grassroots programme comes just months after the Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer announced the UK Government‘s ‘Get Active’ strategy.
The strategy is aimed at driving participation in sport by improving access to physical activity.
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew believes the Cash4Clubs fund can help deliver on the Government’s drive.

The Government has backed the Cash4Clubs programme efforts to support community clubs
‘The Cash4Clubs fund will help to deliver on our ambition to get an additional 3.5 million adults and children physically active by 2030, and provide important support for community sport clubs.
‘Staying active is vital for our health and wellbeing which is why the Government is investing over £400million in grassroots facilities to make sure every community has access to the facilities they need.’
Applications were divided into UK regions, with Flutter UKI working alongside leading UK community sports charity Sported to deliver the programme.
Team Solent Sharks Wheelchair Rugby Club are among five recipients from the South East region to secure funding.
The club needed funding to survive and continue to compete in national competitions.
Similarly the Taibach Tigers rounders club will use funding to ensure their women’s teams can continue in the local league.
‘It’s fantastic that we’ve been awarded a Cash4Clubs grant,’ said Hayley Williams, Taibach Tigers captain.
‘We’re delighted and excited to see how we can improve the team and attract new members to the sport.’

Funding will help the Team Solent Sharks Wheelchair Rugby Club to compete nationally
The Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, based at Todmorden in Yorkshire, are another of the 200 funding recipients.
The academy will use the funding to continue to provide affordable access to exercise for the local community, with the grants also directly supporting roles including the head coach position.
Flutter UKI said nearly £5million has been invested into community projects through its brands since Cash4Clubs was launched in 2008.
The group highlighted that research shows that for every £1 invested in sports, an average of £6 is returned in social value.
For further information on Cash4Clubs visit www.cash-4-clubs.com