£165,000 OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING AWARDED TO BRITISH JUDO ASSOCIATION TOWARDS TACKLING OF INEQUALITIES IN SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The British Judo Association (BJA) has been awarded £165,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England (SE)’s Together Fund which is a continuation of the Tackling Inequalities Fund that was set up in April 2020 as part of their support package to help the sport and physical activity sector through the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

This funding and support will enable registered clubs within the BJA’s English Areas working with target audiences – Lower Socio-Economic Groups, Black, Asian and culturally diverse communities, Disabled People and People with Long-Term Health Conditions (LTC) – to continue to recover and grow off the back of the pandemic and allow people the opportunity to live more active lifestyles.

The funding follows an extensive bid from the Association detailing how the funds will help judo clubs and facilities across England to deliver projects through to the end of March 2023.

The funding award has allowed British Judo and Sport England to launch a “Together Fund Club Grant Scheme”.

Working alongside the Association, Sport England will be the primary distributors of the fund and will have the final decision on the awarding of any Sport England Award.

This will allow us to continue our work with clubs working with those groups identified as being disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic and which is significantly impacting their ability to be physically active.

Recognising the effect the crisis has had on our clubs and members and working in partnership with SE, the BJA have therefore introduced a time limited Grants Scheme. This funding will primarily support the ongoing revival of clubs within the nine English Areas.

All registered clubs within the BJA’s English Areas are eligible and can therefore apply for a one-off grant award of up to £10,000, although SE expects that the vast majority of grants (80%) will sit below £5,000 with the current average award being just £3,500.

The grants will be available to support revenue funded activities such as coaching, equipment (not long-term replacement) and member costs (please see the FAQ document for the funding criteria).

Clubs will be able to apply for grants from July through to the end of December 2022, or until the award amount has been exhausted. All projects must be complete by 31^st March 2023.

The objectives of this grants programme are to help our clubs and members through the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis by:

• Supporting and encouraging our members to return to judo
• Supporting coaches
• Providing resources that enable clubs to gain and retain membership

Sport England’s work and contribution looks to break down the barriers in access to physical activity that were heightened by the pandemic, particularly for those in greatest need. Work from the fund looks to continue bringing people together, regardless of their background and ensure gaps between those who are active and those who are not do not widen.

With a strong understanding of the needs and issues in their areas, Sport England has committed £40m through a network of 83 Active Partnerships and National Partners across England to support community groups as a result of the impacts of Covid-19. We are also investing further funding through National Partner organisations that have specific expertise and reach our target audiences.

British Judo Chief Executive Andrew Scoular was delighted with the outcome from Sport England: “It is fantastic that Sport England and the National Lottery have awarded us £165,000 for our Club Grant Scheme. We feel that this investment will make a real impact for our clubs, many of whom have struggled throughout the pandemic.”

“Our Scheme will hopefully alleviate some of these issues and give our clubs the opportunity to expand their reach and provide opportunities to participate in Judo for all.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said: “We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to the British Judo Association with the aim of supporting them to help more people to participate in Judo and be active in their area.

“With getting active being so important for physical, mental and social wellbeing, this funding will support the community work being done to help tackle the inequalities that exist. We know from our research that Covid-19 has made it harder for some people and we wish to create a level playing field for all.

“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery and its players, the Together Fund will be both crucial and central in ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity to play sport and be active.”

If you have any questions about the BJA Together Fund Club Grant Scheme, please email togetherfund@britishjudo.org.uk

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FAQ’s DOCUMENT FOR TOGETHER FUND CLUB GRANT SCHEME

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE TOGETHER FUND CLUB GRANT SCHEME

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