Agenda item

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This paper provides a framework funding proposal to support Belfast sports teams and individuals traveling outside Northern Ireland to compete in recognised sporting events where qualification or Governing Body selection has taken place.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to:

-       Approve the eligibility criteria for funding traveling teams outside NI

-       Approve maximum funding allocation per team under delegated authority to £5,000

-       Approve increasing funding calls for Individual athletes to four times per year under delegated authority

-       Authorise officers to work up an application process in line with council funding procedures

3.1       Background Information

            During the rate setting process in 2026, Members agreed to allocate funds of £100,000 to support Belfast sports teams/clubs traveling to competitive events outside of Belfast. Members instructed officers to draw up a framework for a funding allocation model which would open 4 times per year. This would be a standalone funding stream in addition to the current Support for Sport grant process managed under CGU that allocates Small (£1500), Large (£5000) and Hospitality (up to £3000). 

3.2       Members will be aware that since a review of Support for Sport in 2012 an allocation of £15,000 is awarded to talented athletes annually under delegated authority. An individual can apply for a maximum of £1000 for costs associated with travel to Governing Body approved competitions and representative squad training outside NI. Currently Individual grants are applied for on behalf of the athlete by the Sport’s Governing Body (GB) and managed by CGU. The annual fund is usually allocated fully at Tranche One. This results in many athletes missing out on support due to smaller GB’s not having the capacity to apply and/or the notification of selection is late, and application deadlines are missed. Opening the application process to four times per year would increase funding for athletes from minority sports and allow officers to support more applications from women and girls and disability athletes. It is anticipated the funding will be split equally between the 4 financial quarters with an option to roll over any underspend into the next quarter.

3.3       Team Travel

            More recently officers have received regular requests for support towards sports teams travelling in a representative capacity outside NI.  Council does not have a currently fund travel for sports clubs. Research conducted with neighbouring council’s demonstrates a lack of a consistent approach with only four council offering specific club travel grants however the majority offer individual grants where members of team sports can apply as individual.

            Table 1. Council areas providing team travel support

3.4       The fund will open four times per year for both individual and team travel, which will maximise both the range of sports and competitions throughout the seasons.

4.0       Financial and Resource Implications

4.1       The Leisure Development Unit would manage the application and verification process in line with good practice and procedures. Leisure Development Unit has the financial resources to cover the cost of the initiative.

5.0       Equality or Good Relations Implications /

            Rural Needs Assessment

5.1       There are no Equality or Good Relations Implications /Rural Needs Assessments associated with this report.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations as set out in section 2.1. of the report.