Cash4Clubs grant applications open with quarter facing threat of closure

A QUARTER of adult sports clubs could shut in the next 12 months unless they receive outside funding, a study has revealed.

- BY OWEN CONLON

Research shows over four in ten reported cancelling training or events because of a lack of funds, facilities, or volunteers, while almost one in three cited a lack of funding as a key barrier to survival.

Analysis shows insurance costs are one of the biggest burdens, hitting 44% of clubs here compared to 17% in the UK.

A third of organisations also said they struggle to recruit enough volunteers, while 51% of clubs say they need minor upgrades to their facilities and 9% report major challenges.