Funding boost for Rugby sports project

Rugby Borough Council is among 88 projects to receive a share of £15 million of funding to support grassroots sport activity across the country.

The funding will allow Rugby Borough Council to develop a new programme designed to encourage people aged 14 to 25 to try a new sport within their local communities using parks and open spaces, as well as sports halls. The project was developed after feedback from the community that there was not enough provision for this age group.

Keith Newell, Rugby Borough Council Community Safety Partnership Manager, said: “We are very pleased to have secured the funding for this innovative project. Lack of affordable things to do can lead youth and adults to becoming victims of crime, or can lead into a downward spiral of offending.

"I hope that this programme with our sport and recreation team will lead to fewer offences, and fewer victims of crime.”

Mike Diaper, Sport England Director of Community Sport, said: "It’s great to be working with innovative projects, like Rugby Street Sports to offer people the chance to get into sport in a way that best suits them.

“The investment being made through the Community Sport Activation Fund is making a real difference at a very local level. I’m particularly pleased that more than half the funding is going into projects in deprived areas, helping more people develop a lifelong sporting habit.”

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for culture, said: “With this additional funding won in partnership with the Community Safety Partnership, we will be able to work with many more young people and adults. I look forward to seeing how the individuals and communities benefit from this scheme.”