Equal Access for Girls: A Game Changer for Grassroots Clubs

The UK government has announced that future grassroots sport funding will be dependent on equality of access between boys and girls. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted that too many girls are pushed into late evening slots, or given inferior access to facilities. From now on, new funding will be conditional: clubs must demonstrate equal access to pitches, training times, and facilities for boys and girls.

For grassroots clubs across the UK, this is more than a funding tweak, it’s a major change in governance, planning, and club culture.

Funders and policymakers want to ensure that every young person, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities. For clubs, this means:

• Facility scheduling can’t give boys all the prime slots.

• Changing rooms and lighting must serve both boys’ and girls’ teams.

• Club policies should demonstrate fairness and inclusion.

• Funding applications must include evidence of equality in access.

Failure to meet these standards could mean missing out on vital grassroots grants and investment.

For many grassroots sports clubs, this shift will require:

1. Governance reviews – ensuring your policies, leadership structures, and booking systems show equality.

2. Facility audits – checking changing rooms, pitches, and timetables for fair use.

3. Funding strategies – updating grant applications to highlight gender equality and inclusion.

4. Community engagement – gathering feedback from female players and parents to identify barriers.

At Club Development Solutions, we specialise in helping community clubs adapt to exactly these types of challenges. Our services include:

• Governance reviews – to ensure your club meets new standards.

• Incorporation, CASC and Gift Aid support – giving your club a stronger legal and financial footing.

• Funding and bid writing – aligning applications with the new equality requirements.

• Facility planning – helping you design upgrades or management systems that ensure equal access.

By getting ahead of the changes, your club can not only stay eligible for funding but also become a leader in fairness and opportunity.

Gender equality in grassroots sport is no longer optional, it’s a requirement for funding success. By taking proactive steps now, your club can unlock opportunities, strengthen governance, and serve your community better.

If your club needs support in meeting these new requirements, from governance audits to funding bids, get in touch with Club Development Solutions today.