Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council’s funding initiative, supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council, enables clubs based in the city to apply for grants of up to £500 to order to help meet officiating and coaching costs, and increase participation from less active people.

Clubs interested in applying should email vicechairwsac@gmail.com to request an application form. Applications are open now, and funding will be awarded on a rolling basis until all grants have been allocated.

Tim Lorimer, Vice Chair of Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council, said: “We know that upskilling club members with National Governing Body qualifications is expensive, and it is hoped this funding will help clubs improve members’ officiating abilities. Recruitment of additional members is never easy, and again, this funding will help.”

The Sports Advisory Council has paid out over £6,000 to support grassroots clubs since the fund was launched last year, with netball, rugby, canoeing, football, bowling, cycle speedway, swimming, tennis and martial arts among the sports benefitting.

One club said its £500 grant has had a ‘significant positive impact’, specifically allowing it to cover venue hire and professional instructor fees. Using qualified instructors has vastly improved the quality of training it has been able to offer, while securing a consistent venue has provided a reliable place for participants to meet.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “This funding scheme is a fantastic opportunity for our local sports clubs to grow and thrive.

“It directly supports the aims of the Wolverhampton Physical Activity Strategy by helping more Wulfrunians get moving, stay active, and feel connected through sport, and I would encourage clubs to apply as soon as possible.”