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Press contact: Andrew St Ledger 0207 273 1593 andrew.stledger@sportengland.org
or Alex Russell 0207 273 1866 alex.russell@sportengland.org

Sport England is delighted to announce the return of Sportsmatch with a new web-based facility enabling applicants to apply online.

Designed to encourage new or additional sponsorship investment from businesses, trusts and private individuals, Sportsmatch, funded by Sport England, will continue to offer pound for pound matched funding to sporting stakeholders for projects that encourage sports participation at grass roots level.

The scheme’s awards criteria have been amended to provide greater flexibility for applicants. From May 2008, partnership funding from trusts and private individuals becomes eligible for match funding. In addition, applicants will now apply online with telephone support available from Sport England on 08458 508 508.

All projects applying in 2008/09 will need to ensure that they are able to deliver their project in its entirety by 31 March 2009. This will ensure that the benefits of the scheme are received at the earliest opportunity.

Sportsmatch reinforces Sport England’s commitment to community level sport. Launched in November 1992, Sportsmatch, together with commercial sponsorship, has invested more than £102 million into 5784 community sports projects across England.

Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, said:

“Sportsmatch has proven to be a great initiative over the years and has encouraged businesses to support grass roots sport projects up and down the country. I hope that it continues to go from strength to strength as we look to create a world class community sport system that encourages people to play sport for life."

Notes to editors:

1. Stakeholders include: Clubs, National Governing Bodies, Charities, Local Authorities, County Sports Partnerships, Schools and voluntary organisations
2. For general enquiries regarding Sportsmatch please contact us on Tel: 0845 850 8508, email: info@sportsmatch.co.uk or visit www.sportsmatch.co.uk
3. Sport England is a non-departmental public body and National Lottery distributor. We are committed to creating a world leading community sports development system and increasing participation in sport. Sport England has been a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields since August 1996. We object to any application that is detrimental to sport, unless alternative provision of at least equivalent value is found elsewhere