Cambridge City Council is encouraging people to apply for Grassroots Activity Grants, for up to £250 per family to support young people to participate in sports, dance or other physical activities that they would otherwise be unable to afford.

The £250 per family is available to enable children aged four to 16 from low-income families to access any sport or activity, such as kayaking or dancing, swimming or boxing, or many more.

The grant can be used to pay for joining fees, session fees or equipment including clothing and footwear, with the funds being paid directly to the club or organisation providing the activity, or awarded as vouchers that can be redeemed in certain sports shops to purchase equipment.

Applications can be made between 1 October and 17 November 2023. Successful applicants will receive funding – or funding will be awarded to the relevant activity provider – before the January term.

Funding has been made available thanks to The Leys School’s Community Fund and is administered by the council’s Active Lifestyles team.

Apply for a Grassroots Activity Grant online.

An alternative grant – the Sir Arthur Marshall Future Champions Programme – is currently open for applications from talented 11 to 25 year olds. This fund also offers up to £250, and is intended to help young people fulfil their sporting potential. The application deadline for the Sir Arthur Marshall Future Champions grant is 5pm on Tuesday 3 October. Find out more or apply.