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Community Sports Clubs Fight for Survival

Community sports clubs are struggling to survive financially. Thousands are unaware that they may be entitled to Gift Aid.
Finance, Leisure, Lifestyle - 8 March 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Thomas Godfrey and Anne Marie Huby Interview| Login to Download

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24.1% of adults in England are currently members of a sports club, but these local clubs are facing challenges as a result of the tough economic climate. Despite an increase in sports participation across the country, club membership fell last year with more people playing sport informally.

A new initiative aims to bring an additional £22 million into grassroots sports clubs over the next five years through a new partnership that allows sports clubs to fundraise more easily and claim Gift Aid they’re entitled to.

Currently Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs estimates that only one in 10 sports clubs that qualify for Gift Aid actually claim it. This means that thousands of clubs are missing much needed financial benefits.

. Introduction:

Almost a quarter of adults in England are currently a member of a sports club but many clubs are missing out on vital funds because the dedicated volunteers that run them have limited time for fundraising. In addition, nine out of 10 clubs that qualify for Gift Aid don’t actually claim it. A new initiative, 'JustGiving for sports clubs' aims to bring an extra £22 million into grassroots sport over the next five years by making it easier for clubs to raise money and claim the Gift Aid they’re entitled to. After research revealed that club membership is down, despite an increase in the number of people playing sport, this additional funding could equal survival for some clubs and boost membership for others.

So, how can amateur sports clubs make the most of the benefits they’re entitled to?

Joining us in the studio are Thomas Godfrey from Sport England and Anne-Marie Huby, Managing Director of JustGiving.com

. Suggested Questions:

What percentage of people are currently a member of a sports club in our area?

What are the most popular types of sports club?

How does JustGiving for Sports Clubs work?

Why are so few sports clubs registered for Gift Aid?

What long-term benefits do you hope this initiative will have for community sports clubs?

Where can we find out more information?