North Wales: £25,000 fund to keep children fit and engaged

Rhyl Journal

03-06-2025

The Summer Sports Fund, first introduced in 2023 by PCC Dunbobbin, was initially focused on football and has now expanded to include all sports.
The initiative encourages clubs and youth organisations to apply for funding to organise sporting activities for children during the summer holidays.
As well as promoting fitness, the fund aims to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), which often increases during the summer months, by keeping young people productively occupied.The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise and fun' (Image: North Wales PCC)
The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise, and fun, creating an inclusive atmosphere'.
The commissioner has set aside £25,000 to support 25 sports projects. This means up to £1,000 can be awarded to each successful applicant.
Mr Dunbobbin said: "Sport is an excellent way of establishing friendships, self-confidence, and positivity among young people, especially when they are away from the routine of school life, and can also help reduce instances of ASB by offering other ways of expending energy.
"Since it first began, it's proved an extremely popular fund and I am pleased that I have been able to help so many organisations, communities, and young people to benefit from the fun, self-discipline, and exercise that you get from sport.
"I hope it will once again make a real difference to the young people of North Wales during the summer holidays.
"Supporting communities and reducing anti-social behaviour in North Wales is a crucial part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales, and the Summer Sports Fund is a positive example of my plan in action.
"I would encourage any club or community organisation that thinks they are eligible for funding to apply now."
To be eligible, applicants need to fill out a short application form by midnight on Friday, June 27.
This year, an online application form has been launched to make the process easier.
Applicants need to be based in North Wales and cater for children and young people up to 17 years old.
The project must demonstrate how they will address issues of anti-social behaviour or align with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.
Organisations are also required to have a safeguarding policy and/or child protection policy, and all staff and volunteers must have completed relevant DBS checks.
It is preferred, though not essential, that the project includes an element of match funding.
The grant cannot be used to fund individuals, profit-making organisations, or work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) are obliged to fund.
Applications will not be considered from local government, prisons, NHS bodies, or for projects that take place outside of the UK.
This initiative is set to encourage young people across North Wales to engage in positive activities over the summer, whilst also tackling potential spikes in anti-social behaviour.
For more details and to apply, visit www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/summer-sports-fund.