The Dorset County Football Association (Dorset FA) has announced the launch of the ‘Spring into Action’ Club Maintenance Fund, aimed at supporting England Football Accredited clubs in improving their facilities. This exciting new initiative gives eligible clubs the opportunity to apply for grants ranging from £100 to £250 to help enhance their grounds and address any maintenance needs.
As the warmer spring months arrive, this fund will assist clubs in making necessary upgrades to their facilities, ensuring they remain safe and welcoming for players, coaches, and spectators. The grants can be used to purchase materials or equipment for tasks such as repainting changing rooms, improving dugouts, repairing goalposts, or installing safety measures around the ground.
Eligible Uses for the Fund:
- Installation of safety measures at club facilities
- Repainting and redecorating clubhouses
- Replacement of goal nets
- Purchase of line marking paint or equipment
- Dugout improvements
- Changing room upgrades
- Tea hut refurbishment
- Kitchen improvements
Please note that labour costs cannot be claimed, nor can funding be used for kitchen appliances such as air fryers, fridges, or kettles.
Given the limited availability of funds, applicants may be referred to alternative funding streams if necessary.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applications must be submitted by the club secretary.
- The fund is open to clubs in National Feeder Leagues (Step 7) and below within Dorset FA, excluding clubs in Steps 1-6 of the men’s league structure.
- Clubs must be England Football Accredited to apply.
- Clubs must have security of tenure or meet specific land agreement conditions (freehold, lease, or licence agreements with a minimum of 10 years remaining).
- All work must be completed within six weeks of receiving the grant.
- A club may apply for a grant between £100 and £250, but cannot claim funding for already completed projects.
- All funded work must comply with Health & Safety Regulations and government/building regulations.
Funding Window: The application window for the ‘Spring into Action’ Fund will remain open until Friday, April 25th, 2025. Clubs wishing to apply must submit their applications via the online application form available on the Dorset FA website.
All applications will be assessed, and successful applicants will be informed of their grant award. When reviewing applications, clubs’ disciplinary records will be considered before any decisions are made.
For further information or assistance with your application, please contact Kath Purnell, Facilities & Investment Lead at Dorset FA, via email at Kathryn.Purnell@DorsetFA.com.