Funding from both Sport England and Table Tennis England is still available for Clubs and Leagues to apply for.
Sport England Return to Play Fund
The Sport England Return to Play Small Grant will make awards, using National Lottery funding, of between £300 and £10,000, from a total pot of £10m, to help sport and activity groups, clubs and organisations respond to the immediate challenges of returning to play in a coronavirus-safe way.
This could include contributing to covering the costs incurred by having to deliver activity in smaller groups than normal, or having the correct hygiene and safety equipment.
In response to the current England-wide lockdown restrictions, this fund will also make a contribution of up to £2,000 towards the running costs of organisations supporting the most deprived communities
Table Tennis Clubs have already started to see success in applying for the fund. During lockdown, Halton Table Tennis Club applied for the Sport England grant to support in their return. They have since been awarded £5,550 from Sport England for their ‘Table Tennis Bouncing Back into Action’ project.
The Committee and players at Halton Table Tennis Club were devastated to learn that on emergence from National lockdown, there was a need for Halton TT Centre to be used for Covid-19 response until May 2021. The Club had been celebrating a grant and coming out of Tier 3 and into Tier 2 restrictions. However, with the assistance of Halton Borough Council, the Club has been relocated to Kingsway Leisure Centre from December 8 and the Club is happy to make this sacrifice for the benefit of the community and to contribute in the fight against the virus.
The fund will enable Halton TTC to purchase additional barriers and PPE, as well as contribute towards venue and coaching costs. Closure between March and August, and reduced opening hours and table availability due to social distancing requirements, has affected finances and the support given to younger players.
Speaking of the difference at the award will make, Karen Tonge MBE said: “This is the encouragement we needed to recognise the contribution the club makes on the sporting landscape.”
When asked about the application process, and any advice for other Clubs who may be considering applying, Karen went on to say: “Read the guidelines first and then assemble the paperwork needed plus prepare a budget for the project.”
To find out more about the fund, click here.
If you would like support with your application, please contact [email protected]
Table Tennis England COVID Activation Fund
Table Tennis England have re-launched further funding to support table tennis activity to resume. The aim of the funding is to allow juniors to continue playing table tennis as local lockdown restrictions are enforced and to support adults return to activity by accessing venues still open in tier 1 or tier 2.
Clubs and leagues can apply for up to £500 to support the activation of a new project for adult or juniors. All sessions should be focussed on engaging participants to return to the sport after an enforced break due to lockdown.
To find out more click here.
Applications will close on Friday December 11.