ST HELENS Council has announced a series of measures to support amateur sports clubs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Most sport activities in the UK have been suspended to help reduce the spread of coronavirus which, has had a financial impact on community grassroots sports clubs.

To help offset this, the council says it has introduced a number discounts to help clubs through the current challenging climate.

These include:

  • No charges to clubs for summer sports pitch hire for play that has or may take place in 2020
  • A 25 per cent discount on 2020/21 winter season pitch hire for football and rugby union clubs three-week free use of council-owned facilities for clubs that have block booked indoor hall, swimming pool, synthetic pitch, and track hire

St Helens Sports Development will also allocate a dedicated officer to any clubs based in the borough, or that use council facilities, to help them plan their recovery and seek any funds for which they are eligible for, such as a £20m Community Emergency Fund by Grant Aid Sport England - with grants between £300 and £10,000 available.

Cllr Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for public health, leisure, libraries, arts and heritage, said: “Data released in December 2019 revealed that physical activity levels in the borough are at an all-time record high which is an achievement we’re proud of and are looking to build on, together with grassroots clubs, to guide people to a healthier future.

“Amateur sports clubs play a massive role in our communities and I know quite a few have taken it upon themselves to step up and get involved with the borough’s response to COVID-19 by offering their services to help our most vulnerable.

“The council is always looking at ways to encourage residents to live a more active and healthy lifestyle which comes with a number of benefits, so it’s only right that we support our community clubs that have such a rich history here in the borough and are fine advocates of this message.”

  • Any club seeking support and advice can get in touch with St Helens Sports Development by emailing sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk