A new hardship grant has been launched by the Department for Communities for local sports clubs in Northern Ireland impacted by Covid-19.
Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey announced on Tuesday that those from the voluntary and community sector can now avail of a £2,000 grant to help with immediate financial commitments
Lockdown measures and the banning of large gatherings has prohibited sports clubs and sporting organisations from maintaining their facilities during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Minister Hargey said: “I recognise that sporting organisations at every level, from grassroots to those who compete at an international level, are facing serious financial challenges as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and the impact that this has had on them.
“This fund will provide a grant of £2,000 per application and will help eligible sports clubs and sporting organisations to meet essential costs which still need to be paid, even when their facilities are closed.
"I want to ensure that, over the next three months, that there is help available to cover costs such as rent, essential utility bills and to assist with the cost of basic maintenance of outdoor sports facilities.”
The Minister continued: “Sport will have a crucial role to play in helping communities to get through this crisis and to help society come out of the lockdown period. It is therefore essential that sporting organisations and clubs are in a position to offer communities and individuals access to sport and physical activities as soon as it is safe to do so.”
For more information about the Hardship Fund please visit here.
