Living Sport has successfully supported a range of sports clubs and organisations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through the Mick George Sports Fund.

The fund provides grants of between £500 and £1,500 for community sports projects that aid health and well-being through the participation of sport and physical activity.

Funding has previously been used by sports clubs and community organisations to improve their facilities and offer to participants, with projects such as changing room improvements, clubhouse renovations or facility maintenance equipment.

In 2020 alone, almost £50,000 was awarded to local organisations which support the delivery of sport and physical activity.

Swavesey Squash Club, in Swavesey, near Cambridge, was one of groups that Living Sport has supported through the Mick George Sports Fund in recent months. The club wanted to replace the on-court heating system and secured a £1,500 grant from the fund.

Ali Loke, Club Professional at Swavesey Squash Club, said: “The new heaters have transformed the on-court experience. Squash balls need to be warmed up to play effectively and without adequate heating this is difficult to achieve, even for players who hit the ball very hard.

“Prior to the heating improvements, the club was extremely cold which we found would perhaps discourage new players. Since we upgraded our facilities, the club has blossomed and membership has grown significantly despite the difficulties with lockdown restrictions. We are so grateful for the support from Living Sport through the Mick George Sports Fund.”



March Town Cricket Club wanted to renovate its double bay nets and the artificial turf wicket and secured a £1,500 grant from the fund in 2020.

Les Mills, Club Secretary at March Town Cricket Club, said “We were very pleased to receive such a generous grant from the Mick George Sports Fund during what are very challenging times for local sports clubs.

“We hope that with the roadmap out of lockdown now announced, we can make plenty of use of our renovated facilities when we are able to return to playing and coaching.

“This funding will have a positive impact on our adult and junior cricketers, as well as our community and the lives of local people in the area.”

Another club, Bushfield Bowls Club, in Orton, Peterborough, was awarded £1,500 to help fund new filler for the bowling green ditches as well as new playing equipment.

Chief Executive at Living Sport, Simon Fairhall, said: “Already we’ve seen a fantastic level of interest in the Mick George Sports Fund and it is great to see so many local sports clubs and organisations getting involved.

“Living Sport is very proud to help support these groups through this fantastic collaboration with Mick George and can allocate funding for anything from small-scale facility improvements to equipment purchases which will enable the sports clubs and organisations to develop and potentially reach new audiences.

“Now that the roadmap out of lockdown has been announced incorporating the safe return to play, there’s no better time to apply for this funding. If you have an idea or proposal, then we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to register your interest and submit an application.”

Apply or find out more here.