Rushcliffe Borough Council Launches Second Year of Sports Workforce Grant Scheme
Sports clubs across Rushcliffe are being encouraged to apply for the Rushcliffe Borough Council's (RBC) grant scheme, which focuses on workforce development. Now in its second year, the Rushcliffe Sports Grant - Workforce is designed to assist clubs in training, developing, and retaining their workforce, including volunteers and staff.
Grant Details and Application Process
The grant provides financial support for various areas such as coaching, officiating, grounds maintenance, and safeguarding. Clubs must submit a minimum one-year workforce project plan, detailing how the grant will be used and their long-term commitment to workforce development. Two clubs will each receive a grant of £500, with £300 paid upfront and the remaining £200 upon project completion.
Eligible community sports clubs in the borough have until Thursday, April 30 to apply online at the council's dedicated website. This initiative aims to bolster the sustainability and growth of local sports organizations by investing in their human resources.
Success Story from Previous Year
Last year, Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club, located at Regatta Way in West Bridgford, was one of the recipients. They used the funding to establish a grounds maintenance volunteer programme, addressing the retirement of long-serving volunteers. The club upskilled six volunteers through the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Level 1 Cricket Grounds Maintenance accredited training.
Club treasurer and retired groundsman Pat Carmody shared his experience: "I've volunteered here for over 12 years, and I've loved every minute of it. Last year I took a step back from my groundskeeping role, and the club needed someone else with the right training to take over. The courses funded by RBC's Workforce Grant have really helped to sustain a new generation of volunteers, and I hope they will enjoy the work just as much as I have. Getting the next generation of groundsmen trained is absolutely vital because without the volunteers, there's no cricket played."
Council Support and Encouragement
RBC's Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development, Councillor Jonathan Wheeler, emphasized the importance of the grant: "We're pleased to launch this year's Workforce Grant, helping to give clubs a £500 boost to ensure they continue to thrive by investing in their team of volunteers. Rushcliffe is a great place for sport and has so many community sports clubs across a diverse range of activities, and we're committed to supporting our sporting community through these grants. If your sports club is exploring ways to upskill volunteers and club staff, don't miss out on this opportunity to apply for one of our grants before the deadline at the end of April."
The grant scheme highlights RBC's dedication to fostering a vibrant sports community in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, by providing essential resources for workforce enhancement.
