Irish boxer Andy Lee encourages local sports clubs to apply for €400K winter windfall

Irish boxer Andy Lee and sports pundit Ruby Walsh are urging local sports organizations in Ireland to apply for a free grant through Cash4Clubs’ €400,000 fund.

The initiative awards 200 community organizations €2,000 worth of funding each to help drive participation in sports and wellbeing, improve facilities, and run coaching programs.

Betting and gaming group Flutter UKI funds the Cash4Clubs initiative and is extending the deadline to December 12 due to the sheer number of grassroots clubs that have already submitted bids for 2024.

Last year, 30,000 people across 50 different sports benefitted from the Cash4Clubs fund. Almost 85% of those clubs funded were from lower socio-economic groups.

Speaking about the initiative, Andy Lee said: “I know that a €2,000 financial injection into any boxing club would make a real difference. Every euro counts in keeping the doors of boxing clubs open. These clubs play a vital role in their communities in terms of keeping people of all ages active and engaged.

Twelve-time champion Irish jockey and sports broadcaster Ruby Walsh added: “Grants like these have a profound impact on communities by increasing participation in various physical activities, improving health outcomes, and fostering connections.

"Sport empowers people, builds confidence, and creates lasting positive changes in the lives of adults to maintain their engagement. There are countless organizations around the country that could do with a winter windfall."

Dublin Devils FC, an LGBTQ+ and inclusive football team, offers everything from social kickabouts to competitive 11-a-side and was among last year’s recipients.

Dublin Devils FC

Club treasurer Paul McKie explained the impact Cash4Clubs funds had on their organization: “We have over 110 members ranging in age from 18 to 67 and many would say that positive impact on their mental health is among the biggest benefit of all because they’re able to mix with like-minded people, get out and about and get some exercise.

“We hosted two open days to promote the club and competed in Vienna at this year's IGLFA (International Gay & Lesbian Football Association) EuroGames where we finished second behind Manchester. We charge our members €3 for a kickabout and €40 for an annual membership, so you can imagine how helpful it was to have an additional €2,000 in the kitty. It made the impossible possible.”