Grassroots sports clubs across Cambridgeshire are being urged to apply for a share of new funding from a national supermarket chain. The Aldi Sports Fund, launched to support community sport, offers grants to help local teams cover essential costs including kits, new equipment, coaching, and venue rental.
What is the Aldi Sports Fund?
The initiative consolidates the supermarket's community sport support into a single national programme, making it easier for grassroots organisations to access funding. It is part of a wider drive to encourage physical activity at every level, from community groups to elite competitors.
Some winning clubs will also get the special opportunity to meet a top British athlete and hear about their career journey, adding an inspirational element to the financial boost.
Support from Team GB and ParalympicsGB
Representatives from Team GB and ParalympicsGB have welcomed the expansion of the community sports scheme across the country. Tim Ellerton and Jenny Seymour, speaking on behalf of the teams, said: "Aldi is a fantastic partner to Team GB and ParalympicsGB, and we are delighted to see them extend their commitment to supporting sport at every level across the country. From local communities to the world stage, they understand the extraordinary impact sport can have."
They added: "It will be great to see athletes getting involved and helping to make that impact felt in communities nationwide."
Why local clubs matter
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi, highlighted the importance of grassroots clubs: "We know how much local sports clubs mean to the communities they serve. They're run by passionate volunteers and give people of all ages the chance to get active, try something new and be part of a team."
She continued: "For the past 10 years, our Scottish Sports Fund has helped hundreds of clubs, and by bringing this activity together under the Aldi Sports Fund, we're making it easier for even more grassroots organisations to see what support is available in their area."
She added: "Our partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB is all about inspiring people to get involved in sport. Through the Aldi Sports Fund, we're helping more clubs continue the fantastic work they do every day."
How to apply
Organisations can submit a short application outlining what makes their group special and how the grant money would be spent. Funding amounts and application deadlines depend on the location of each applicant group.
To apply, eligible clubs should email sportsfund@aldi.co.uk with no more than 200 words explaining their club and funding needs. For full eligibility criteria, application dates, and grant details, visit www.aldi.co.uk/sportsfund.
With the fund now open to clubs across Cambridgeshire, local teams are encouraged to act quickly to secure support for the upcoming season.
