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Two new funding pots to help handball clubs recover and grow

England Handball has today launched two brand new funding pots in a bid to help the country’s clubs bounce back and thrive after the impact of the pandemic.  

The association has unveiled the ‘Club Support’ and ‘Volunteer Development’ funds for teams building back and looking to grow following the “extremely challenging” two-year shutdown of the sport.  

The first pot will see clubs initially able to apply for a grant of up to £1,000 for growth projects, with a focus on youth development to boost the junior game, particularly at primary school level.  

The second pot will allow clubs to develop their volunteer workforce with packages initially worth up to £250 each.  

Stacey Andrews, National Partnership Manager at England Handball, said: “Handball has been hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions but the club network in England has been brilliantly resilient over the past two years, keeping players, coaches and volunteers engaged in the game despite not being on court.  

“Now that we have competitive action back in England, it’s been amazing to see so many players and clubs getting on the court to play the game they love. Now’s the time for us to take that momentum and build on it, which is exactly what these two funding pots are all about.  

“We know there has been a reduction in teams and players and the last two years have been extremely challenging – like they have been for all sports in this country. But the whole handball community is working hard to bounce back and reclaim the court.  

“We’re delighted to announce these new funding opportunities and want to encourage as many clubs as possible to submit their applications. This is just one of the ways are supporting clubs to move forward, particularly those that are looking to restart, sustain and grow handball activity in England.”   Both funds will be open to any England Handball Association affiliated club (full or emerging) that meets its fit for purpose criteria.  

For the Club Support Fund, priority will be given to projects that focus on engaging with children under 12, although other projects will also be considered.  

The Volunteer Development fund could be used for aspects such as qualifications, DBS checks and more.  

Stacey added: “We strongly believe that the recovery and growth of the handball community on the back of COVID centres around clubs engaging within their local communities - with a real focus on engaging children in handball at a much earlier age.”  

The deadline for applications for the Club fund is December 31, with the first funding payments to be made in January. A Volunteer Development fund initial funding window will open from December 1 until January 14.

Clubs can submit their applications at any point during this time.  

For more information on how to apply, visit https://www.englandhandball.com/club-support-and-development/funding

 

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