HALF-A-MILLION IN GRANTS MADE AVAILABLE TO LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

HALF-A-MILLION IN GRANTS MADE AVAILABLE TO LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS

November 12, 2008 10:02 PM

Cllr John Smithson, Lib Dem Deputy Leader

Grants with a total value of half-a-million pounds are being made available to local sports clubs across Kirklees over the next three years.

Clubs interested in expanding their existing facilities or developing the range of sports that they offer will now be able to apply to the council for a one off grant up to the sum £50,000 to help them achieve their goals.

The grants scheme - which aims help strengthen the local voluntary sports sector and encourage more people to get active - was proposed by the Liberal Democrat Group to Cabinet on Wednesday 22nd November. Cabinet gave the green light to the scheme.

Cllr John Smithson, Lib Dem Deputy Leader said:

"Voluntary sports clubs across Kirklees do a fantastic job providing opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in community sport. The grants scheme we have proposed will allow clubs to expand what they already offer into new directions and attract more members. This will bring benefits in terms of health but also in terms of community life. Towns and villages across Kirklees gain a great deal from having established and successful local sports clubs which I am keen to see supported by the council. We are very pleased that the Cabinet has agreed to our proposal."

Grant applications will be decided twice a year. In year one, grants will decided in December and March. And in the final two years, decisions will be made in September and March.