Sports clubs and gifted local athletes can once again apply for special grants from Sandwell Council as part of its Cash for Sports Clubs or Gifted and Talented grant schemes.

The council has launched the fourth round of the Cash for Sports Clubs scheme, which was first launched in 2014 to give cash grants to sports clubs in the borough. The council is also offering new grants to keen young people under its Gifted and Talented programme, which has helped many keen athletes to improve.

More than £70,000 has been handed out over the years to about 70 sports clubs, helping to fund new kits and equipment as well as coaching courses and improving the quality of sessions.

Clubs can apply for funding of up to £500 to help with kits and equipment and up to £1,500 to help grow membership and increase the number of Sandwell residents being active. There's also funding available for specialist coaching. The scheme has been officially launched by Councillor Bill Gavan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure. He said:

"We're really keen to offer these grants again this year to help out Sandwell sports clubs to improve their kit and equipment or facilities. A cash grant can really help local clubs and make a difference to encourage people to get active and enjoy taking part in sport."

The scheme opens on Monday 11 March and closes on Friday 17 May at 5pm. For more information, go to the council's Cash for Sports Clubs webpage. 

Councillor Gavan said that cash was also available for gifted young elite athletes to fund improvements to equipment and offer support. Applicants can apply for grants up to £500 a year by visiting the Gifted and Talented webpage. Applications are assessed by a small awards panel. 

So far, 20 athletes have been supported in various sports, including athletics, swimming, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, table tennis and karate. Councillor Gavan added:

"There have been some real successes under this scheme with many athletes already competing at national, European and world levels and putting Sandwell firming on the sporting map.

"And with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching we hope that homegrown Sandwell athletes will be competing on home ground."

Anyone who is an aspiring athlete, parent or sports coach should visit the Gifted and Talented webpage for more information.