Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) title holder Andy Lee (pictured) is one of several Irish sports stars who have called on community-based sports organisations to apply for one of the 200 free grants available through Cash4Clubs’ €400,000 fund.

Betting and gaming group Flutter UKI funds the Cash4Clubs initiative and is extending the deadline to December 12 due to the sheer number of grassroots clubs that have already submitted bids for 2024.

The initiative awards 200 community organisations €2,000 worth of funding to help drive participation in sports and wellbeing, improve facilities and run coaching programmes. 

Since Cash4Clubs was launched in 2008, nearly €6 million has been invested into community sports by Flutter UKI through its brands, which include Betfair, Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola. 

Last year, 30,000 people across 50 different sports benefitted from the Cash4Clubs fund. Almost 85% of those clubs funded were from lower socio-economic groups. 

Returning to the ring this week to back Cash4Clubs, Andy Lee  said: “I know that a €2000 financial injection into any boxing club would make a real difference. Every euro counts in keeping the doors of boxing clubs open. These clubs play a vital role in their communities in terms of keeping people of all ages active and engaged. And so my message is simple – apply before the deadline closes on December 12.”

 There are countless organisation around the country that could to with a winter windfall, so if you’re involved in one of them, check out Cash4Clubs (https://cash-4-clubs.com/)” 

A spokesperson for Flutter UKI said: “We know that Cash4Clubs can play an important part in helping at the grassroots level – great stories such as Dublin Devils FC show the power the programme can have by enabling clubs to play a big role in their community.

“There are real benefits to encouraging people to try out a sport or exercise a bit more and we hope this year’s funding will make a real difference.” 

For further information on Cash4Clubs or to apply for funding, see www.cash-4-clubs.com.