Rounders England has been awarded £125,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Together Fund which aims to tackle inequalities in activity levels through working with its partners to reach those most in need as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
The funding award will allow Rounders England to continue its powerful community-based programmes, and, in particular, support at least 16 projects in some of the following areas Birmingham, Burnley, Leeds, Bradford, Somerset and Hull.
This funding and support will enable Rounders England community groups working with target audiences – Lower Socio-Economic Groups, Black, Asian and culturally diverse communities, Disabled People and People with Long-Term Health Conditions (LTC) – to continue to recover and grow off the back of the pandemic and allow people the opportunity to live more active lifestyles.
Sport England’s work and contribution looks to break down the barriers in access to physical activity that were heightened by the pandemic, particularly for those in greatest need. Work from the fund looks to continue bringing people together, regardless of their background and ensure gaps between those who are active and those who are not do not widen.
With a strong understanding of the needs and issues in their areas, Sport England has committed £40m through a network of 83 Active Partnerships and National Partners across England to support community groups as a result of the impacts of COVID-19. We are also investing further funding through National Partner organisations that have specific expertise and reach our target audiences.
Natalie Justice-Dearn, Rounders England’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Due to the ability of all people to play rounders, regardless of gender, social position, age or religion, our community programmes are particularly powerful in reaching all parts of society. This funding will help accelerate that outreach, helping people use the power of sport to create more inclusivity, support mental health, personal empowerment and community cohesion.”
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to Rounders England with the aim of supporting them to help more people to play sport and be active in their area.
“With getting active being so important for physical, mental and social wellbeing, this funding will support the community work being done to help tackle the inequalities that exist. We know from our research that Covid-19 has made it harder for some people and we wish to create a level playing field for all.
“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery and its players, the Together Fund will be both crucial and central in ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity to play sport and be active.”
