Making a difference in local communities: Club Improvement Fund re-opens

The Club Improvement Fund has reopened, offering vital support to clubs across the country. We are currently welcoming applications from clubs across the country who have achieved their Club Standard 6 (safeguarding), and will have full Club Standards on receipt of the funding.

Since April 2024 England Athletics have given grants of £62,000 to affiliated clubs through the club improvement fund.  This has contributed towards total project costs of £218,503.

There is a range of different ways that clubs can use the funding to improve their club, whether that be through facility needs, coaching courses or digital upgrades. We caught up with a couple of clubs to see what impact the Club Improvement Fund has made to them.

London Frontrunners

The funding has been greatly received by London Frontrunners to increase capacity and future proof their club. Based in London, the club provide support and engagement through running for the LGBTQ+ community. They received £480 from England Athletics towards coach education costs which enabled them to access further funding to train five coaches. Club Secretary and Lead Welfare Officer, Christos Bitzis-Politis said:

"Training new coaches provided the opportunity to develop further the potential of all those undertaking coaching courses. They have enhanced their leadership skills, fostering a self-awareness, improving their communication skills, hugely boosting their confidence and ultimately leading to a more effective personal growth that translates into a more effective coaching style."

"Funding the training of new coaches and run leaders has given us all, myself included, a way to see running from a different perspective, keep the momentum going and to constantly aim at greater goals for our club's future."

Corby Athletics Club

Corby Athletics Club based in the East Midlands has used their funding to support the junior section of their club, putting £500 towards the cost of hiring a sports hall for their under-11 sessions over the winter. In previous years, the club has seen a drop in their membership over the winter months with athletes coming back in the spring, so wanted to ensure there was a positive club experience for those not wishing to take part in cross country and outdoor activities. Membership Secretary, Joanna Cadman-Joyce, spoke about the impact of the funding support:

"The sessions have been a great success with 25-30 members attending each one. This also resulted in ten of the club members representing their county at the Regional Sports Hall finals. The sessions have had 100% retention of members and we have gained some additional athletes too."

"By using the sports hall the club have also developed really good links with the school who also allowed them to use their café. This has helped us to engage with parents with two now sitting on the committee, bringing in vital skills to support different functions of the club. One parent is now taking their officials course with another becoming an assistant coach."

Beaumont Running Club

Beaumont Running Club, based in Leicester, have used £500 to hire a cycle track throughout the winter months to provide a safe space for coached sessions to take place each week. Some of the club members had previously stopped training during the darker months and the hiring of the facility has had huge social benefits as well as enabling people to maintain their fitness over the winter. Members Maria and Kingsley said:

"I love the track because I love the feeling of a community, enjoying such a great sport together. It is also very varied so it motivates you to do something new and improve your performance" (Maria)

"I enjoy socialising, and pushing out of my comfort zone with my running, its non-competitive, and gives you a good sense of well being, as well as being safe especially in the dark nights." (Kingsley)

Apply for Club Improvement Fund

The Club Improvement Fund is open to all England Athletics affiliated clubs, with priority given to clubs who have not received funding in the past 12 months.  

Additional criteria: 

1. Clubs who received Club Improvement Funding for coach education last year will not be eligible to apply for coach education grants this time but can apply for other projects. 
2. Clubs must meet all aspects of Club Standard 6 at the point of application. 
3. Clubs must have a minimum of 6/7 for Club Standards with the aim of having 7/7 by the point of grant approval. Please note, we will prioritise funding to clubs with 7/7 for Club Standards. 
4. Clubs must intend to reaffiliate for the 2025 affiliation year. 

If you would like to speak to someone about Club Standards prior to putting in your application, please contact the Club Support Manager for your region. 

Applications for the Club Improvement Fund will open on 19 March 2025 and close on 30 April 2025. Additional application windows may be opened throughout 2025 subject to funding available.