GwirVol and StreetGames launch sports grants

01 Jun 2010 - 01 Jan 9999

Location: Wales-Wide

A Welsh initiative aimed at boosting the number of young people volunteering has teamed up with a UK sports development charity to help provide more sports volunteering opportunities in disadvantaged communities.

The new GwirVol StreetGames grants scheme - which will be managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and StreetGames and supported by the Co-operative, Sports Wales and Millennium Volunteers - was launched this week (Wednesday 26 May) at the 2010 Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Senedd by First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones.

The grants of up to £2,000 each are designed to help develop structured sports programmes in disadvantaged communities through involving young people aged 16-25 as volunteers.

As well as funding, the projects will also have access to training, support and mentoring, along with qualifications including Community Sports Leadership Awards and recognition awards such as the Millennium Volunteers Award.

The grants will help organisations provide opportunities that will challenge young people, meet their aspirations and add value to their communities. There are no limits to the type of sports that will be supported, from football to cheerleading. StreetGames Volunteers

‘This is an exciting new partnership bringing together sports and volunteering,’ said GwirVol Co-ordinator Leah Doherty. ‘We’re looking forward to supporting projects through funding, mentoring and qualifications brought together by our partners - and we can’t wait to see what local communities will develop.’

StreetGames Chief Executive Jane Ashworth said: ‘We have a number of very exciting community sports projects operating in Wales. So far, these have seen almost 100 young volunteers give over 2,000 hours of their time to helping young people access sport, while gaining new skills and qualifications themselves.

‘This new partnership will help make sure we can continue to offer such great opportunities and engage young people through sport.’

When can I apply?

The grants will be available from 30 June 2010.

How much is available?

Project funding of up to £2,000 per project is available. Grants will be given to projects involving young people from disadvantaged communities.

For more information and to find out how to apply for the GwirVol StreetGames grants, go to www.GwirVol.org or contact Caro Wild at StreetGames caro.wild@streetgames.org.