Sports Development Capital Grant Programme NOW OPEN

The Sports Development Capital Grant Programme is now open for applications. The initiative supplies financial assistance to eligible sports clubs for the delivery of capital projects within Ards and North Down.

Ards and North Down Borough Council has £70,000 available for the 2025/2026 financial year and can award up to 60% of eligible capital costs with a maximum award of £6,000 in respect of any one project.

Grants are available for capital expenditure such as facilities or equipment, defined as 'expenditure for technical assistance and/or purchase, improvement, restoration and construction of an asset directly related to the applicant organisation'.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"The Sports Development Capital Grant Programme provides all eligible sports clubs in Ards and North Down an opportunity to further develop their clubs. It can help ease the financial burden of purchasing essential equipment, for example, and it enables clubs to offer more opportunities. Supporting them through the Capital Grant Programme helps to ensure that our local sports scene continues to grow, it gives our residents increased opportunities to take part and it helps build on the great sporting success that our Borough has already achieved."

Last year, Scrabo Golf Club received a Sports Development Capital Grant and used it to purchase battery powered machinery, such as chainsaws, strimmers and blower, to replace petrol powered course equipment. Following the damage caused by Storm Eowyn, this equipment was put to immediate use.

Alison Hiles, Lady Honorary Secretary of Scrabo Golf Club, said:

"The application process was simple to follow with any queries or questions being quickly responded to. Scrabo Golf Club is extremely grateful for the support received from Ards and North Down Borough Council and in particular the assistance received from council officers."

Capital Grant Applications opened on Monday 28 April 2025 and will close at midday on Monday 28 July 2025. Applications will be assessed in August with notifications to sports clubs in late August.

Programme guidance and criteria, together with application forms, can be found at www.leisureardsandnorthdown.com/sports-development/funding. Alternatively, email sportsdevelopment@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or telephone 0300 013 3333 (ext 40327).