Now in its third year, Barclays Bank in partnership with the Sported Foundation is offering grants of up to £1,000 (an increase of £500 from last year) to not-for-profit organisations operating in an area of high deprivation to support delivery of their football activities to engage with young people (under the age of 25 years) from underrepresented groups.

This is an access grant which aims to help improve access to football for all. The funding is for groups that are running football activities for one or more of the following underrepresented groups: women and girls, young people with disabilities, young people from racially diverse communities, young people from the LGBTQ+ community and young people from lower socio-economic groups.

Community sports groups can apply to receive:

• £1,000 Access Grants to spend on increasing underrepresented young people's access to play.
• Up to £5,000 Deep Impact grants for existing fund recipients who have already received a £500 grant in 2022 or 2023.
• Coaching grants to get more women qualified to coach girls' football at a grassroots level.
• Access to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training and resources.
• Exclusive opportunities to apply for Premier League and Barclays FA Women's Super League tickets, mascot opportunities and exclusive promotional experiences.

The funding can be used for anything that will support delivery of football activities to underrepresented groups. The funding cannot be used for schools and other educational establishments, trips abroad, school based football activities, costs associated with elite football or talent development or multiple teams/projects within the same organisation.

There will be two funding rounds in 2024, each of which be open for applications for about two months. Please note it is anticipated that the fund will be 'extremely popular' and thus applications may close earlier than the deadline. Groups should apply early to avoid disappointment.

The first round this year has already closed but a limited amount of funding will be made available in the second round which will be open until Sunday 15th September 2024.

For more information on the fund, please visit Barclays Community Football Fund (sported.org.uk)