Sport secures further funding from SIF to aid recovery

The Guernsey Sports Commission is delighted to confirm that it has helped secure further funding from the Social Investment Fund (SIF) Covid-19 Community Charity Appeal to help support Guernsey sporting organisations who have been significantly affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

SIF has provided financial support to Rugby, Football and Cricket; three of Guernsey’s biggest sports and those most affected by loss of revenue during lockdown and cuts to funding from their National Governing Bodies.

‘These organisations provide significant value to the Guernsey community and the support from SIF will ensure that this work can continue,’ said Steve Sharman, Relationship Director for the Guernsey Sports Commission.

‘We know that many sports have been affected in a range of ways throughout lockdown and beyond. We had already successfully applied to SIF on their behalf and established a Sport Recovery Fund which we have used to provide grants to a large number of different sporting organisations to help safeguard their future and begin the process of rebuilding. This financial support has been warmly welcomed,’ said Steve.

‘Rugby, cricket and football are in a more difficult situation as they operate on a range of levels, employ staff and have been hardest hit as they have lost out on revenue from their UK grants, big matches and visiting teams. The continuing restrictions on off-island travel will also have an effect on these team sports. This was why they needed to make more detailed applications for support from SIF.

‘The breadth and depth of their operation on-Island goes beyond just one team or small group of individuals and instead impacts across the whole Guernsey Community.  They have highly skilled coaches and mentors who use sporting activity as a vehicle for social benefit and significantly play their role in the big picture society espoused by Deputy St Pier,’ said Steve.

‘In the case of Rugby and Football, the reduction in funding from their National Governing Bodies was an unexpected hammer blow. Even allowing for redirecting funds from other initiatives, all three sports were facing the prospect of losing staff and inevitably having to reduce their community offering via their Development Officers. The support from SIF will ensure this valuable work in the community can continue.’

Jurat Stephen Jones is chair of the Social Investment Fund and was pleased to be able to announce this latest round of successful applications.

‘The SIF Board has been shocked to learn of the serious financial challenges affecting sporting clubs due to Covid-19. The activities, support and health benefits provided by these clubs to hundreds of adults and children, both in the community and within schools, is very impressive and we would not like to see the impact of these activities reduced. We hope that with the support provided these clubs can continue to have a far reach into the community,’ said Jurat Jones.

The funding provided through SIF has helped support 30 different sports clubs and organisations, many of which provide training and activities for children and young people. The Guernsey Sports Commission estimates that more than 60% of the island’s young people will have been positively impacted by the SIF grants and is extremely grateful for all their help and support over the past few months.

For further information please contact Steve Sharman on 07960 148377