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Grants for local sport to help recover from the impact of COVID-19

Sports bodies will be able to apply for a Jersey Sport COVID-19 Recovery Grant, from Wednesday 31 March, to assist with the financial difficulties they may have incurred due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Assistant Minister for Economic Development with responsibility for sport, Deputy Hugh Raymond, approved a Ministerial Decision allowing over £109,000 of unspent Jersey Sport travel grant funds to be repurposed for a COVID-19 Recovery Fund for Sport.

COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 prevented sports clubs and associations from travelling for competitions, which meant the Jersey Sport travel grant budget was underspent.

The first round of COVID-19 Recovery Fund for Sports grants in September 2020 saw 11 not-for-profit sports organisations awarded a total of £61,417.

Eligible not-for-profit sports clubs will be able to apply for the grant until 10 May 2021.

Sports bodies applying for the grant will be required to meet one, or both of the following criteria:

• detail loss of income or additional spend required as a result of COVID-19
• detail how the grant will be used to adapt to the impact of COVID-19 on their club

Deputy Raymond said: “COVID-19 has had a huge impact on businesses and individuals across the Island and this includes sports clubs and associations.  Many have seen a significant drop in income due to a decline in membership and not being able to run activities, however, they still have a commitment to pay overheads like insurance, rental etc.

I understand the important role sport plays in Island life, and we need to ensure that we support the clubs and associations during this difficult time, so they are able to resume their activities as normal after the pandemic.  I am delighted to be able to approve the repurposing of these funds to help provide this much needed financial assistance.”

Head of Sport and Children at Jersey Sport, James Tilley, said: “We are delighted to be launching this second round of funding for sports. The fund will help sports clubs and associations recover from the financial impact of COVID-19 restrictions, and support them to look forward, adapt and re-invent themselves. This will help sports make necessary changes to ensure they are sustainable into the future, and able to recover as quickly as possible from the longer lasting impact of COVID-19.”

For further information about how to apply for Jersey Sport’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund, which will close on 10 May 2021, please visit: jerseysport.je/grants

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