Women and girls across Hounslow will be helped to get into sport, after being awarded a £250,000 share of from Sport England’s £5.1 m Community Sport Activation Fund.

Hounslow is one of 32 projects across the country to receive a share of the fund that aims to support grassroots sport activity across the country and build a lasting legacy from the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Over the next three years Get Active Hounslow – Women and Girls will run 13 projects across the borough to give local women and girls the opportunity to get involved in a range of sports.

The first year will include free beginners sessions of badminton, running, cycling, multi-sport events, yoga and dance.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal said: “It can be difficult for women and girls to try a new sport, but once they’ve started, confidence builds and it becomes easier to keep going in the long run.

“This programme of activities will help women and girls find a sport they enjoy, and help them gain the confidence they need to have more active lifestyles for years to come.”

The programme is being run in partnership between St Mary’s University College and Hounslow Community Sport and Physical Activity Network.

Each project is delivered by a local partner including Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Fusion, St Mary’s University College, Hounslow Badminton Association, Hounslow Council and Sport Impact.

Sport England’s community sport director, Mike Diaper, said: “This fund was created to respond to the demand among local communities for investment to reach down to the local level.
“By working with new partners, taking a flexible approach and investing in innovative ideas, we’re offering people the chance to get into sport in a way that most suit their needs and aspirations.”

The Community Sport Activation Fund builds on previous funding campaigns, which have shown that the key to success is finding out what people want from sport – and what ‘s stopping them from getting involved – before designing an offer that’s appealing, accessible and secures their long-term involvement.

Local government, voluntary and third sector groups and organisation are among those receiving funding and alongside Sport England’s investments, all of the projects are contributing partnership funding towards their multi-sports programmes that will run for up to three years.