Local sporting clubs and community organisations across the Richmond Borough are encouraged to apply for a grant to help keep the borough active during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sport England has made up to £195 million of funding available to help its partners, clubs and community organisations cope with the impact of COVID-19.

The package of funding includes:

• A £20 million Community Emergency Fund, which is open immediately for clubs and community organisations to bid into. Grants between £300 and £10,000 are available.

• A £5 million pot for existing Sport England partners to bid into if they're facing specific financial difficulty

• £55 million to support the sector during an ongoing period of restrictions; to fund new and innovative ways to keep people active and then, when it is over, to help organisations get back to business and adjust to a different environment.

• A £115 million rollover of current funding into 2021/22 to give certainty to over 100 well established partners who play a vital role in the delivery of sport and physical activity in England.

Full details, including the application process for the new Community Emergency Fund are available on the Sport England website below.

Cllr J-F Burford, Sports Champion, said:""This is an extremely challenging time for local sports organisations, and it is hoped that the Community Emergency Fund will be able to provide some financial relief.

"It has been impressive to see sport organisations adapt to the current crisis, for example by going online to help people workout whilst staying home.

"Physical activity is so important, and we want to make sure local sport organisations are able to thrive again in the future."

Details of funding availability