Sports groups teaming up for cash

SPORTS groups in Suffolk Coastal were today urged to team up for a new project which could bring a share of a £450 million government hand-out to the area.

Meetings are being held in Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Framlingham in the next three weeks to tell people about the scheme - and encourage them to get involved.

The district is one of ten areas in the region selected by Sport England to launch pilot Community Sports Networks (CSN), a partnership which would work to improve sporting opportunities and give people a louder voice in the way national resources are allocated.

“The importance of sport is being increasingly recognised, whether for its commercial and career opportunities, its role as a promoter of health and fitness, or as an important diversion for the energies of young people,” said cabinet member Rae Leighton.

“Sport England has recognised the need to build stronger local partnerships to ensure at grass-roots level there are sporting opportunities for all. This council is pleased to play its part.

“We now want representatives of local sports clubs, volunteers, and organisations to come along to one of three special open meetings we are hosting over the next few weeks.

“It will be a chance to find out much more about CSNs, how they can get involved and what are the potential benefits for their club and their district.”

The CSNs will aim to pull together all the sports organisations in the district and link them with voluntary, private and public sector bodies

“It has been estimated an additional £450m is being put into sports-linked initiatives by the government and I want our district through its own CSN to get in and claims its rightful share,” said Mr Leighton.

The meetings are at Felixstowe Leisure Centre on January 25, Woodbridge Community Centre, January 26 and Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham, February 2. They all start at 7pm.

For more information telephone Sarah Shinnie on 01394 444652.