Funding available for Rushcliffe sports clubs to support workforce development
Last updated: 24/3/2026
Sports clubs in Rushcliffe are invited to apply for Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) grant scheme supporting a club’s workforce development.
Now in its second year, the Rushcliffe Sports Grant – Workforce is now open to help support the training, development and retention of a sports club’s workforce. The grant can contribute to coaching, officiating, grounds maintenance or safeguarding.
Clubs will be required to produce a minimum of a one-year workforce project plan including outlining what the grant will fund and the club’s commitment to developing the workforce in the longer term.
Two clubs will receive a grant of £500, with £300 being paid up front and the remaining £200 being paid on completion of the project.
Eligible community sports clubs in the Borough have until Thursday April 30 to apply on the RBC website.
Last year’s recipients, Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club, based at Regatta Way in West Bridgford, received funding towards a grounds maintenance volunteer programme to ensure continuity in the club’s groundskeeping team as long-serving volunteers prepared to retire.
The club used the funding to upskill six volunteers through the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Level 1 Cricket Grounds Maintenance accredited training.
Club Treasurer and retired Groundsman Pat Carmody said: “I’ve volunteered here for over 12 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Last year I took a step back from my groundskeeping role and the club needed someone else with the right training to take over.
“The courses funded by RBC’s Workforce Grant have really helped to sustain a new generation of volunteers, and I hope they will enjoy the work just as much as I have.
“Getting the next generation of groundsmen trained is absolutely vital because without the volunteers, there’s no cricket played.”
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler added: “We’re pleased to launch this year’s Workforce Grant, helping to give clubs a £500 boost to ensure they continue to thrive by investing in their team of volunteers.
“Rushcliffe is a great place for sport and has so many community sports clubs across a diverse range of activities, and we’re committed to supporting our sporting community through these grants.
“If your sports club is exploring ways to upskill volunteers and club staff, don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply for one of our grants before the deadline at the end of April.”