Flutter UKI has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities with the launch of its flagship ‘Cash4Clubs’ programme for 2024. Through this initiative, Flutter will provide £400,000 in funding to grassroots sports clubs and charities across the UK and Ireland, offering 200 grants of £2,000 each. These grants are aimed at helping organisations improve facilities, purchase equipment, run coaching programmes, and increase participation in sports.
Last year’s beneficiaries included a diverse range of organisations, such as Basa in Rochdale, which offers fitness classes for women over 60, the Gosport Bowmen archery club in Hampshire, and the London Wheelchair Rugby Club, which had four players represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris games. Over 85% of clubs that received funding reported an increase in activities, with 9,000 new participants aged 18 or older engaging in health and fitness programmes as a result.
Since its inception in 2008, Flutter’s ‘Cash4Clubs’ programme has invested nearly £6 million into community sports through its brands, including Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, Betfair, and tombola.
This year, Flutter UKI is collaborating with the charity Sported to manage the programme, with a focus on supporting clubs in underserved areas to promote greater participation in physical activity. Applications for the 2024 grants are now open, with 200 clubs set to receive funding.
The programme aligns with Sport England’s 10-year strategy to improve lives and communities through sports and physical activity. Despite some recovery in sports participation post-pandemic, a parliamentary report highlighted ongoing barriers, with two in five adults in England not meeting recommended activity guidelines.
One of last year’s success stories, Welcome House Hull, used its grant to establish Acorn FC, a football team composed entirely of refugees and asylum seekers. They went on to make history by participating in the first competitive match between asylum seeker teams in the UK.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP and chair of the cross-party DCMS Select Committee, said: “I hope that grassroots clubs will make the most of the opportunity to apply for a Cash4Clubs grant.”
“These clubs do great work in our communities, bringing people together, getting them active and developing new skills and passions. This money will make a huge difference.”
Ian Brown, Chief Executive of Flutter UKI, said: “The stunning success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics once again highlighted the power of sport. We hope Cash4Clubs can play an important part in helping at the grassroots level by enabling small clubs to play an even bigger role in their community.
There are priceless benefits in people trying out a sport for the first time, getting active or having the confidence to take their hobby to the next level. We believe this programme can make a real difference in the areas that need it most.”
Sarah Kaye, Chief Executive of Sported, said: “We continue to see people who are increasingly at risk of being unable to access the benefits of sport because of the growing financial challenges faced by grassroots groups.
It’s a privilege to partner with Flutter on Cash4Clubs and we will ensure.”
Shirley Hart of Welcome House, commented: “We formed our football team Acorn FC and with the money from the grant we could be taken seriously as we could practise more, appear more professional, play better. We teamed up with Active Through Football and made history by playing the first inter-city asylum seeker competitive football match. We could not have done this without your grant.”
Craig Streeter, Vice Chairman of the London Wheelchair Rugby Club, said: “We appreciate all donations of any amount and would like to say a huge thank you to Cash4Clubs. These donations help fund anything from tournaments to tape and are essential in the progression of the club and our members.
We certainly do encourage other clubs to apply for the scheme. Wheelchair Rugby is an expensive sport, and any ease of financial burden helps our players from grass roots to Paralympic glory.”
