Flutter commits £400,000 to 2024 Cash4Clubs scheme
New York-listed operator to support 200 community sporting organisations with a core focus on boosting physical activity in areas of deprivation
Flutter UK and Ireland will pledge another £400,000 to grassroots sports clubs and charities via its Cash4Clubs scheme this year, matching the pot from the 2023 edition of the initiative.
As part of the scheme, community sporting organisations across the UK and Ireland will be able to apply for £2,000 grants to give them a financial boost over the next 12 months.
The application period for the four-figure bonus will run until the middle of November.
The funds will be ploughed into improving facilities, purchasing new equipment, running coaching programmes and increasing participation in sports.
Flutter will work with UK charity Sported to deliver the programme, with eligible clubs and organisations able to apply for a grant from today, 12 September.
An awards panel will choose 200 bids to hand the funding to, with an emphasis on aiming to “boost participation in areas of deprivation” as a key mission statement this year.
Of the clubs to be awarded funding last year, 85% said they had been able to deliver more activities.
In turn, around 9,000 adults over the age of 18 had engaged in a new health and fitness programme as a result.
Last year’s winners include Rochdale-based Basa, a fitness class for women aged over 60, and the London Wheelchair Rugby Club – which sent four players to the Paralympics Games Paris 2024 GB squad for Great Britain.
Other examples include Welcome House Hull, which set up a football team, Acorn FC, made up exclusively of refugees and asylum seekers.
Cash4Clubs was first launched in 2008 and since then, almost £6m has been invested into community sports by Flutter.
Ian Brown, Flutter UK and Ireland CEO, said: “The stunning success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics once again highlighted the power of sport.
“We hope Cash4Clubs can play an important part in helping at the grassroots level by enabling small clubs to play an even bigger role in their community.
“There are priceless benefits in people trying out a sport for the first time, getting active or having the confidence to take their hobby to the next level. We believe this programme can make a real difference in the areas that need it most.”
Sarah Kaye, Sported CEO, added: “We continue to see people who are increasingly at risk of being unable to access the benefits of sport because of the growing financial challenges faced by grassroots groups.
“It’s a privilege to partner with Flutter on Cash4Clubs and we will ensure that support reaches those most in need and benefits our local communities.”