Services
Grants - sporting clubs
Community Club Development
West Lothian Council Sports Unit works closely with the sports clubs and organisations to strengthen sporting opportunities and pathways in the area. Sport is an important part of the Scottish lifestyle and relies on a huge number of dedicated volunteers who are facing the increasing demands of running sport. As such, West Lothian Council is committed to supporting clubs with development and in 2003 produce the Community Club Development pack as a resource for management committees. This resource is now available, along with other valuable information on help for clubs website
The strategic plan 'Sport for All in West Lothian' sets out the important role clubs can play to increase participation and improve the quality of sporting opportunities for the benefit of local communities. The plan is based on two guiding principles, two of which, Equity and Empowerment are particularly relevant to the growth and development of Community Sports Clubs.
'A belief which underpins both the sport and regeneration strategies is that community organisations and voluntary local groups should play a critical and central role in developing sport' Community Sports Clubs - A Strategy for Development.
West Lothian Council's broad definition of a Community Sports Club is:
'A club which provides opportunities for the community to participate in their chosen activities and recognises its role in developing the potential of its members'
Every club is different and their requirements for success will be as individual as the sports they promote and the community belong too. Many clubs, however, face issues that are common to all voluntary organisations including the need;
- To attract new members
- Retain existing members
- Attract and retain volunteers with leadership skills
- Attract and develop suitably qualified coached
- To access quality facilities and meet the associated costs
- To raise finance for kit, equipment and running costs
There are a number of schemes in place to support athletes and clubs in West Lothian.
Community Club Accreditation Scheme
This scheme has been developed to help support clubs and allow the public to recognise safe, effective and child friendly club environments.
The process is very simple with support resources and training made available through out.
Club Development Grants Scheme
The Sport and Recreation Team are responsible on behalf of West Lothian Council Education Services for the administration of Grant Assistance to Sport. When considering application, the Sports Unit will be particularly concerned with the value and relevance to the community of the proposed project/expenditure and to the contribution made by the organisation to the development and promotion of sport in West Lothian.
Applications must come under one of the following five headings:
1. Club Development Projects
2. Performance Projects
3. Purchasing Equipment
4. Starting a New Club/ Section
5. Events
To apply for a grant your group must be a Voluntary Sports Club within West Lothian and an officially recognised sport by sportScotland. Your group must also be a member of the West Lothian Sports Council or other relevant organisation and affiliated to a National Governing Body.
