How to Secure Capital Funding for Indoor Sports Facilities

Investing in a high-quality indoor sports facility can be a transformative investment for football, rugby, tennis, and cricket clubs. However, the cost of construction and maintenance can be a significant barrier for many organisations. Fortunately, there are several funding opportunities available that can provide substantial financial support (over £100,000), helping to bring these projects to life. This guide outlines the key funding options for indoor sports facilities, specifically focusing on football, rugby, tennis, and cricket within the UK.

Please note that while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, funding availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change. This guide is for informational purposes only, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. We are not affiliated with any of the governing bodies mentioned, and applicants should verify details directly with the respective organisations before proceeding.

Government Funding

The UK government plays a crucial role in supporting grassroots and community sports facilities through various funding initiatives. These programmes are typically distributed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in collaboration with governing bodies and other organisations.

Following the 2024 general election, DCMS has yet to announce new funding programmes. However, a recent press release titled ‘Legacy of recent England successes to be felt in clubs and schools across the country‘, published on 15 July 2024, confirmed the government’s commitment to continued investment in grassroots sports.

As part of these efforts, two key initiatives will receive government backing:

• Football Foundation’s Home Advantage Programme – This scheme provides grants of up to £250,000 to support grassroots clubs and organisations in securing long-term leases on local authority playing sites. The aim is to ensure clubs have the security and facilities needed to grow and develop.
• Football Association’s 3-Star Community Clubs Initiative – The government is supporting the FA’s pledge to double the number of high-standard community clubs by the time EURO 2028 begins. These clubs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering more opportunities for women, girls, and disabled players to participate in football.

Beyond football, the Home Advantage Programme will also be expanded to support facilities for rugby union, rugby league, and cricket, ensuring a wider impact across multiple sports.

The government’s investment aligns with its broader vision of fostering local sports talent, improving accessibility to high-quality training facilities, and building a healthier, more active nation. The details of this funding package will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Football Association, Football Foundation, and Premier League, and will be announced in due course.

Main Government Bodies Distributing Funding

Several government bodies and organisations are responsible for distributing sports funding across the UK. These include:

Sport England

Funds grassroots sports facilities and infrastructure improvements in England.

Sport Scotland

Supports capital projects, including indoor and outdoor sports developments in Scotland.

Sport Wales

Provides funding for improving sports facilities and participation levels in Wales.

Sport Northern Ireland

Focuses on developing community sports facilities and increasing participation across Northern Ireland.

UK Sport

Primarily funds elite-level athletes and Olympic sports but also invests in infrastructure development for high-performance training.

The National Lottery Community Fund

Distributes lottery funding to grassroots and community sports projects.

Understanding which governing body aligns with your project’s location and sport is crucial in applying for the most relevant funding.

Funding Opportunities by Sport

Football

Football Foundation – Home Advantage Programme

• Funding Available: Up to £250,000
• Purpose: Supports grassroots clubs in securing long-term leases on local authority sites.
• Eligibility: Grassroots clubs and organisations looking to secure tenure on existing playing facilities.
• More Info: Football Foundation

Cymru Football Foundation – Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme

• Funding Available: Up to £300,000
• Purpose: Supports capital projects such as upgrading changing rooms or indoor training facilities.
• Eligibility: Clubs, local authorities, and community organisations.
• More Info: Cymru Football Foundation

Rugby

RWC2025 Impact Facility Fund (RFU)

• Funding Available: Investment totalling £7 million (2023-2027) across clubs.
• Purpose: Enhancing rugby club experiences, especially for female participation.
• Eligibility: Rugby clubs looking to improve facilities for women and girls.
• More Info: RFU Funding

IRFU Club Funding (Northern Ireland)

• Funding Available: Interest-free loans and grants.
• Purpose: Increasing participation and upgrading club facilities.
• Eligibility: Rugby clubs in Northern Ireland.
• More Info: IRFU

Tennis

LTA Indoor Community Tennis Projects

• Funding Available: Large capital grants for indoor tennis facilities.
• Purpose: Expanding indoor tennis provision across the UK.
• Eligibility: Clubs, local authorities, and commercial operators.
• More Info: LTA Indoor Tennis

Tennis Scotland – Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis Fund

• Funding Available: Up to 66% of project costs (max £250,000 per court).
• Purpose: Increasing indoor court availability in Scotland.
• Eligibility: Clubs, local authorities, and partners.
• More Info: Tennis Scotland

Cricket

England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) Interest-Free Loan Scheme

• Funding Available: Loans of up to £50,000.
• Purpose: Supporting capital projects such as clubhouse upgrades and equipment purchases.
• Eligibility: ECB-affiliated cricket clubs.
• More Info: ECB

Cricket Scotland – Cricket Development Trust

• Funding Available: Cricket Scotland does not directly provide funding. The amount and nature of support are dependant on the nature of the project.
• Purpose: Supporting cricket facility improvements, including indoor training spaces.
• Eligibility: Cricket clubs affiliated with Cricket Scotland.
• More Info: Cricket Scotland Funding Guidelines

What Funders Will and Won’t Fund

What Funders Will Fund

• Facility Upgrades: Renovations, clubhouse improvements, and accessibility enhancements.
• Pitch & Court Developments: Indoor artificial pitches, tennis courts, and multi-sport surfaces.
• Energy Efficiency Projects: Sustainable solutions such as LED lighting and heating systems.
• Multi-Sport Facilities: Projects catering to more than one sport (e.g., football and rugby in the same facility).
• Infrastructure Repairs: Fixing roofs, flood damage, and essential structural works.

What Funders Won’t Fund

• Routine Maintenance: General wear and tear repairs.
• Private Gain Projects: Facilities intended for commercial or private use.
• Membership-Only Clubs: Facilities not accessible to the wider public.
• Retrospective Funding: Projects that have already been completed.
• Football-Only Projects: Sport England does not fund football-only projects unless they include another sport.
• School-Based Facilities: If the general public does not have access.

Conclusion

For clubs and organisations looking to invest in the construction of an indoor sports facility, securing funding is a crucial step. Whether it’s a football academy needing an indoor pitch, a tennis centre requiring covered courts, or a cricket club upgrading its indoor training nets, there are significant funding options available. By targeting the right funding sources and understanding what funders will and won’t support, your project stands the best chance of success.

Collinson Tensile specialises in designing and constructing tensile fabric buildings that provide high-quality indoor sports environments. For more information on how Collinson Tensile can support your facility’s development, enquire with our team today.