Sporting Chance
Sporting Chance is designed to tackle the pressing social and economic challenges in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by enabling access to sport and physical activity for low-income families, or people facing life challenges and barriers.
Aims of the Sporting Chance fund
For many families and individuals, Sporting Chance is a lifeline. It opens doors that might otherwise remain closed, offering people the chance to seek help and support in a non‑judgemental, trusted environment. The fund enables individuals and families to start or continue their membership in sports and physical activity clubs. We know that it’s often the additional costs – such as transport, kit, equipment, or competition entry fees – that make participation difficult, so the fund can also help cover these essential extras.
At Living Better, we firmly believe that no one should be held back from pursuing their passions because of financial hardship. Access to sport and physical activity should never come at the expense of someone’s financial or mental wellbeing.
Sports clubs that join the Sporting Chance scheme play a vital role in strengthening and uniting communities. By building local partnerships and keeping valuable services going, participating clubs are helping to create financially sustainable community models – and, in doing so, they are transforming lives for the better.
Who is the fund for?
The Sporting Chance fund is part of our mission to improve health, happiness, and wellbeing in communities that need it most.
The fund is open to anyone based in the targeted area who finds themselves needing a bit of support with funding the sports club or physical activity sessions they attend. There is no set criteria a person has to meet, as the application is a process based on trust, we only ask that you are honest and genuine when answering the questions.
By removing financial barriers to participation in sports clubs or physical activity sessions, especially in areas with high levels of deprivation, we can help to give more people a sporting chance.
Cost of Living Crisis
Over two-thirds of community sports clubs anticipate economic pressures (Sported, 2023). Even free activities are seeing reduced engagement due to the associated costs.
Low Physical Activity
53.3% of children (61,900) in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough do not meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity (Sport England, 2022).
Challenges
75% of community groups/clubs expect costs to double. 50% have seen a drop in financial support, threatening their ability to offer accessible sports (Sported, 2023).
Sporting Chance success stories
Apply Now
Please note: being eligible for the grant does not guarantee financial assistance. We have a limited number of grants available, and demand is high. Therefore, we encourage you to complete this application form thoroughly, providing as much supporting evidence as possible.
- Be a Cambridgeshire resident living in or around March (PE15) and be aged over 4 years old (unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from outside of Cambridgeshire)
- Receive Income Support or Universal Credit or income based job seekers allowance or PIP or income related employment and support allowance or income related free school meals or pension credit or be otherwise ‘just managing financially’ subject to referral from a professional
- Those who do not already take part in physical activity due to financial restrictions
- Those with a disability which impacts on their ability to take part in physical activity
Factors Guiding Our Place-Based Approach
Socioeconomic Inequalities
Reducing barriers for communities facing challenges like lower incomes, unemployment, and limited facility access to offer equitable opportunities.
Health Disparities
Delivering targeted interventions in areas with high rates of long-term health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health challenges, to inspire active lifestyles and improve outcomes.
Limited Access to Facilities
Collaborating with schools, community groups, and councils to enhance access to infrastructure.
Cultural and Demographic Needs
Tailoring programmes to address barriers faced by culturally diverse communities, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.
Community-Led Solutions
Co-creating programmes with local stakeholders to foster sustainable impact and long-term involvement.
10-year-old boy with anxiety, autism, and learning difficulties
As a family with a small single salary income, we could never have afforded a 1:1 swimming instructor, so it has been amazing to see him get used to a new person and begin to enjoy swimming in a pool that he previously feared. I am now able to take him into the pool myself and play games. The best thing about the swimming sessions was seeing him smile and laugh while being in a pool.
Parent, Sporting Chance applicant
Support the Sporting Chance Scheme
The Sporting Chance scheme is made possible by the generous donations from local benefactors. If you are interested in partnering with us and supporting this life-changing programme, get in touch.