Flutter begins distribution of £400k Cash4Clubs community grants

Flutter UKI has announced the winning bids of its ‘Cash4Clubs’ grassroots sports programme, distributing a total of £400,000 to struggling community clubs across the UK and Ireland. 

The grants will be handed out as one off £2,000 payments, spread across 200 sports clubs “involved in everything from badminton and skateboarding to American Football, wheelchair rugby and surfing”. 

Flutter UKI CEO Ian Brown said: “Community clubs are the bedrock of sport in the UK and we are committed to doing everything we can to help small clubs make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m delighted we were able to double the size of this year’s Cash4Clubs fund to £400,000 after seeing a record number of applications come in. We are convinced Cash4Clubs will have a real impact in those areas that need it most.”

The payments require that approved candidates use the funds to finance their key needs for facilities, new equipment, coaching programmes and sustainability operations. 

‘Cash4Clubs’ was first launched by Flutter UKI with an initial investment of £200,000 for the 2023-2024 period, but the Paddy Power and Betfair operator decided to double the funds after receiving 1,282 applications. 

Hayley Williams, captain at one of the grant receivers Taibach Tigers, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been awarded a Cash4Clubs grant. We’re delighted and excited to see how we can improve the team and attract new members to the sport.”

The awarding of the grants comes soon after Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer emphasised the importance of being physically active by announcing the UK government’s ‘Get Active’ strategy to drive sport participation. 

Additionally, Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew praised Flutter’s initiative by saying: “The Cash4Clubs fund will help to deliver on our ambition to get an additional 3.5 million adults and children physically active by 2030, and provide important support for community sport clubs. 

“Staying active is vital for our health and wellbeing which is why the Government is investing over £400m in grassroots facilities to make sure every community has access to the facilities they need.”