High Peak Borough Council helps grasssroots sports clubs secure £270,000 in COVID-19 support grants

Around 40 clubs across the borough have received funding in recent months from schemes including Government grants for businesses which the council is administering, the Sport England Community Emergency Fund, and grants from the Football Foundation.

Deputy council leader Damien Greenhalgh said: “I’m delighted so many community organisations and clubs have benefited from the funding available, which has proved to be a lifeline.

“Thankfully, we’ve been able to assist them access that vital funding so that they will still be there to welcome people back when the time is right.”

Among those to have received support are groups involved in basketball, boxing and bowling clubs, cricket, hockey and football clubs, athletics and jogging, tennis and gymnastics and sailing.

Coun Greenhalgh said: “Many of us have adapted our routines by exercising at home or in our local areas and will be eagerly awaiting the re-opening of gyms, exercise classes and sports clubs when it is safe to do so.

“Looking after our physical and mental wellbeing is important at all times but it has been brought into even sharper focus by COVID-19.

He added: “With so many people developing good habits during lockdown, my hope is that people can take advantage of what our local clubs have to offer so they can keep moving and lead active, healthy lives.”