Grab a grant!

If there is one area where women's and girls' sport scores over men's sport its in the area of grants. If a club has a female section it will invariably get a bigger grant than without - indeed any grants are now dependent on a sports club being open to everyone in the community, and not just men.

So get out there and grab a grant!

One of the best sources for funding is the Local Network Fund (details on how to apply here).

Both the county development group and several clubs have already benefited from grants from LNF, who particularly target "disadvantaged groups" - a definition that includes girls' team sport.

Did you know that boys are six times more likely to play a competitive team sport than girls (and that is even when you include "traditional" girls sports like netball and hockey)? And when it comes to games like rugby, well, more men play netball than women play rugby.

Yet - as we know - there is no reason for this beyond artificial barriers such as awareness and access. Which is why the LNF offers funds - to try to redress the balance, increase awareness and access, and raise participation.

The county recently received a grant of over £6,000 which will be used for next season's programme, and Letchworth also announced this week that they have been awarded £2,650 to be used to promote and develop the game in their area.

LNF are keen to have more clubs apply for grants, and will help you complete your application.
Awards for all are another body worth contacting, though they tend to look for bids at club level, and your local council may also offer grants for clubs or individuals.

However it can take some time to process bids, however, so the sooner you apply the better!