English Sailing Clubs Get Much Needed Funding from Sport England

Sailing clubs and centres across the country are celebrating having successfully secured over £1 million of funding in total, erectile through the second round of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

From refurbished changing rooms to new pontoons, the funding will help 24 sailing venues to refurbish or upgrade their facilities making them accessible for the whole community.

“We are really pleased to see so many clubs being successful and sailing being so well represented in this round” said Graham Manchester, RYA Strategic Lead on Adult Participation.

Part of Places People Play, Sport England’s programme to deliver a London 2012 legacy of increased mass participation in sport, Inspired Facilities is investing £50 million of National Lottery funding in up to 1000 community sports projects between 2011 and 2014.

One club to be awarded funding is Burton Sailing Club which has been awarded almost £50,000 to put towards a bespoke training centre.

“We are over the moon to have been successful and we will now be able to expand our training facilities. 2012 really has been a landmark year for our club as not only have we become a Volvo Champion Club but we have also achieved our RYA OnBoard status.” explained Keith Pallet, Training Principal at the club.

“The demand for courses is increasing all the time and this funding will provide the space and equipment that we need. After London 2012 we hope to inspire even more people of all ages and abilities to get out on the water and give sailing a try”.

Rickmansworth Sailing Club in Hertfordshire will be using their £32,000 of funding to replace three of their old pontoons as well as a 25 year old bridge which is badly in need of repair.

“The funding has really given us a boost” said Martin Smethers, a member of the club’s committee. “We saw 90 people through our doors when we held our last open day and we think the new pontoons will look fantastic when we invite people to our club for the next one.”

Graham Manchester concludes: “There are still three more rounds of Sport England Inspired Facilities to apply so if your club facilities are looking tired and an investment would increase usage and community activity you should consider this fund. It offers a great chance in the Olympic year for a lasting legacy in our sport”.