The aim of CCPR’s Subs for Clubs campaign is to allow Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) to claim Gift Aid on junior membership subscriptions – just as organisations like the National Trust are permitted to do on their subscriptions. Currently 51% of sports clubs operate at a deficit or just manage to break even.
The proposal which would cost as little as £1.2m in its first year would allow clubs to improve their facilities, train and improve their coaches, and re-invest in vital kit.
Rebecca Romero, 2008 Olympic track cycling champion and 2004 rowing silver medallist, who lent her support to the event said:
“Without grassroots provision, elite success is not possible. Even though we do not know who many of them are yet, our Olympic champions of the future are being given a chance to succeed at community sports clubs across the country. This is why it is so vital that community clubs are given as much financial help and support as possible. Allowing them to reclaim Gift Aid on junior subscriptions is a step in the right direction.”
Brigid Simmonds OBE, CCPR chair, believes that the change would make a great difference to community clubs:
“We know this is a tough climate to be calling for changes like this, but the benefits would truly outweigh the costs. Allowing clubs to claim Gift Aid would incentivise them to attract and retain more junior participants, which can only be a good thing when you think about what our clubs offer young people. The fact that we have so many MPs attending the event just shows the strength of support which community sport enjoys.”
For more information on Subs for Clubs visit www.cascinfo.co.uk.
