Funding for sports travel grant secured

Wednesday 14 September 2016

A sports travel grant of £125,000 has been secured for 2017 after lengthy negotiations within the States.

Assistant Minister for Sport, Constable Steve Pallett said the grant is a big plus for sports club across the Island and will mean those who cannot afford travel costs will still receive grant aid.

The 2017 figure is now set in stone and it is expected that the same level of funding will be available for sports grant in 2018 and 2019. 

Constable Pallett said: “It has involved some pretty long discussions on the behalf of my department as well as the Treasury and the Chief Minister, but the principle has been kept, that those who can afford travel costs can continue to do so, while those who can’t will get help.

“The ability to travel off-island and compete is vital to the proper development of our local sporting talent. 

“I am especially pleased to be able to make this announcement now, when local clubs still have time to factor this news into their decision-making for forthcoming fixtures and competitions.”

Constable Pallett met the Sports Advisory Council yesterday to confirm the grant and the council will allocate the money to various sports clubs.    

He said: “I think it is fair to say they were expecting the worst so it is good news that we have managed to get this travel grant at the same level as 2014.

“Funding for travel costs is a crucial part of our ‘Fit for Future’ strategy, which looked to be under threat. That would have been potentially really bad for the Island. The grants will go to those sports clubs who can least afford their travel costs and will be allocated by the Sports Advisory Council.”