GRASSROOTS sports clubs can win a £10,000 lump sum funded by Greene King IPA, to celebrate the one year anniversary of its grassroots Proud To Pitch In initiative (https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/proud-to-pitch-in/ ).

To win, entrants simply need to sign up here: https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/proud-to-pitch-in/ .

When you sign, register your organisation and details of the project you want funding for.

The announcement follows the news that just over one in 20 (six per cent) of people believe their local sports club receive sufficient funding, while over a quarter (26 per cent) believe local clubs need more funding, with training facilities, kits, clubhouses, and pitch or court maintenance identified as the biggest issues.

The research, commissioned by Greene King IPA, also revealed that the success of the Lionesses at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros has inspired a surge in grassroots sports participation.

While the research revealed 30 per cent of people decided to take up a grassroots sport due to the success of the tournament, many people feel clubs lack funding, and that barriers to participation still exist.

Ex-footballer and popular pundit Robbie Savage, a Proud to Pitch In ambassador, has long been a champion of grassroots sports and is supporting the scheme.

He said: “Grassroots clubs are essential for communities up and down the country. They are not only a great social outlet, but grassroots sport is brilliant for mental and physical health.

“Attitudes towards grassroots sports still have a long way to go which is why Greene King IPA’s Proud To Pitch In scheme is so important, and a great opportunity for teams to receive all important funding.”

Grassroots clubs (for those aged 18 and over) have until Sunday, December 11 to apply, and the winner will be contacted in January.

To apply, or to nominate a grassroots sports club for the £10,000 funding lump sum, visit: https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/proud-to-pitch-in/ .

Proud To Pitch In, which is available throughout the UK, sees Greene King donating 10p from every pint of Greene King IPA and 50p from every 4x500ml can pack sold* to raise funds.

Grants are awarded to clubs of up to £3,000, plus the recently announced one-off £10,000 pot.

To apply for a regular Proud to Pitch In grant of £3,000 please visit: https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/proud-to-pitch-in/ .

*In selected venues and packs during defined promotional periods.