With the ongoing impact of Covid-19 there are clearly going to be financial implications for cricket clubs and leagues. 

There are a number of support packages/grants available for clubs to help them get through this difficult time and be in a position to run their club effectively once cricket resumes.

 

UPDATED APRIL 2021

 

Government Support 

The Government announced as part of the budget that there will be a new “Restart Grant” for small businesses in England.  Launching in April, the Restart Grant will replace the previous Local Restrictions Support Grant schemes (which closed for applications on 31 March 2021).

The Restart Grant scheme is intended to align with England’s four-step roadmap out of lockdown.

As with previous support grant schemes, the grant is based on the rateable value of the business premises.

 

OUTLINE GUIDANCE

Businesses occupying a rateable premises, that were mandated to close under national restrictions (eg non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality), may be eligible for grants under the following schemes: Grants of up to £6,000 will be paid to non-essential retail business premises, to help them reopen safely. Grants of up to £18,000 will be allocated to hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises, which may open later under plans set out in the roadmap and will be more impacted by restrictions when they do reopen. The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses that are predominantly reliant on delivering in-person services for the general public in the aforementioned sectors.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Businesses must:

  • Be solvent
  • Have not exceeded the State Aid threshold
  • Usually provide an in-person customer service from its premises
  • Have legal business status (ie a Unique Tax Reference Number, Company Number or Charity Number).

To find out more follow this link or visit your local authority website for more information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-a-coronavirus-restart-grant

 

ECB Support Package for Recreational Cricket
The ECB have two support packages available:

- A cricket club support loan scheme, with a 12-month repayment holiday

Visit the ECB Emergency Club Support section for more info.

 

 

 

Sport England Community Emergency Fund 

Sport England have reopened their £16.5 million Return to Play: Small Grants fund to refocus on helping groups, clubs and people who deliver sport and physical activity through the additional challenges that this period of national restrictions will bring.  They have also made important changes to the criteria to ensure they are giving the right help at this time. 

Their two other coronavirus-related funds, Return to Play: Community Asset Fund and Return to Play: Active Together, are also open for applications.  

Separately, Sport England are also working closely with Government on a package of support for sports, following the £100m of government support to leisure operators.

To find out more about the Sport England funding options and how to apply, visit the link below:

 


More Funding Streams 

There are a number of funding streams availble to clubs listed on our Funding and Facilites page as well as a funding guide to assist clubs with applying for grants, sponsorship and crowdfunding. 

There is also some great financial advice and guidance on the ClubMatters Website

 

 

For further support please contact Matt Theedom on matt.theedom@devoncricket.co.uk / 07805 554636 or
Alex Jopling on alex.jopling@devoncricket.co.uk / 07507 711595.