Introducing FYB Funding Focus: Helping Grassroots Rugby Find Funding
From keeping the lights on and improving facilities to purchasing equipment and introducing more people to rugby, finding funding is one of the biggest challenges facing grassroots clubs. We’re launching FYB Funding Focus to help make that search a little easier.
Running a grassroots rugby club isn’t cheap.
Whether it’s maintaining pitches, replacing worn-out equipment, paying utility bills or developing new teams, the costs involved in keeping a club running continue to add up.
And while there are grants and funding opportunities available, finding them isn’t always straightforward.
For many clubs, the responsibility falls on volunteers who are already juggling coaching, administration, recruitment, fundraising and everything else that comes with keeping a rugby club going.
That’s why we’re introducing FYB Funding Focus.
On the first Wednesday of every month, we’ll be highlighting grants and funding opportunities that could make a real difference to grassroots rugby clubs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We’ll be looking at everything from rugby-specific funding programmes to broader community and sporting grants that clubs might otherwise overlook.
To kick things off, we’ve identified four opportunities worth exploring.
🏉 1. Allianz All Together Sports Fund – Rugby Edition
💷 Funding available: £500–£5,000
📍 Location: United Kingdom
📅 Application deadline: 21 November 2026
The Allianz All Together Sports Fund is offering financial support specifically for grassroots rugby clubs, helping them meet some of the everyday costs involved in keeping their clubs running.
Unlike many funding programmes that focus on launching new projects, this fund recognises that simply maintaining a rugby club can be a financial challenge.
What can the funding support?
Eligible costs may include:
- Facility hire and rental costs.
- Heating, lighting and utility bills.
- Grounds and facility maintenance.
- Rugby governing body and league affiliation fees.
- Travel expenses for matches and events.
- Playing kit and membership costs for individuals facing financial hardship.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to eligible registered grassroots rugby clubs across the UK.
However, there’s an important requirement: clubs must be nominated by an independent insurance broker with an Allianz agency relationship.
Clubs must also have a bank account in their own name.
Why we think it’s worth exploring
For clubs facing rising operating costs, this could provide some welcome financial breathing space.
Funding that can contribute towards utilities, facility maintenance and other essential expenses is particularly valuable when so many grants are restricted to new projects.
Find out more and check eligibility: Allianz All Together Sports Fund
🏉 2. Scottish Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund
💷 Funding available: Up to £20,000 in matched funding
📍 Location: Scotland
📅 Applications open: 2 November 2026
📅 Application deadline: 31 January 2027
Scottish rugby clubs looking to reduce energy costs and improve the sustainability of their facilities could benefit from a new funding initiative supported by Scottish Gas.
The Scottish Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund aims to help clubs make their facilities more energy-efficient, reducing operating costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
The programme will support up to five rugby clubs annually over the next three years.
What can the funding support?
Projects could include:
- Energy-efficient heating systems.
- Improvements to insulation.
- More efficient lighting.
- Renewable energy installations.
- Other measures designed to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability.
How does the funding work?
This is a matched-funding programme, meaning clubs will need to raise money through a crowdfunding campaign.
Eligible clubs can receive up to £20,000 in matched funding, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Clubs considering an application should review the crowdfunding requirements carefully to understand how much they may need to raise themselves.
Why we think it’s worth exploring
Energy costs are a significant expense for many grassroots rugby clubs, particularly those operating their own clubhouses and facilities.
Investment in energy efficiency could help clubs reduce their long-term running costs, freeing up more money to spend on rugby.
Find out more: Scottish Rugby – Scottish Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund
🏉 3. Sport England – Movement Fund
💷 Funding available: £300–£15,000
📍 Location: England
📅 Application deadline: Rolling applications
The Sport England Movement Fund supports projects that help more people become physically active, particularly those who face barriers to participation.
Although not exclusively for rugby, the programme could provide valuable financial support to clubs looking to introduce new activities, attract participants or make their facilities more accessible.
What can the funding support?
Potential projects include:
- Launching new women’s and girls’ rugby programmes.
- Introducing walking rugby or other inclusive forms of the game.
- Purchasing equipment to support new activities.
- Improving facilities to encourage participation.
- Developing programmes for people who are currently less physically active.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to eligible not-for-profit organisations, including community sports clubs.
Projects should demonstrate how they will increase physical activity and create opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to taking part.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, although Sport England recommends applying at least 12 weeks before the proposed activity or expenditure begins.
Why we think it’s worth exploring
Many grassroots rugby clubs are already doing fantastic work to make the sport more accessible.
Whether it’s introducing walking rugby, developing inclusive programmes or encouraging more women and girls to play, the Movement Fund could help clubs turn their ideas into reality.
Find out more and apply: Sport England Movement Fund
🏉 4. Sport Wales – Be Active Wales Fund
💷 Funding available: £300–£50,000
📍 Location: Wales
📅 Applications open: 4 November 2026
📅 Expression of interest deadline: 8 January 2027
📅 Full application deadline: 13 January 2027
The Be Active Wales Fund provides financial support to not-for-profit sports clubs and community organisations looking to increase participation and improve sporting opportunities.
For grassroots rugby clubs across Wales, the programme could help fund everything from new equipment and coaching qualifications to improvements in facilities.
What can the funding support?
Eligible projects may include:
- Purchasing new rugby equipment.
- Supporting coaching qualifications.
- Providing first aid and officiating training.
- Hiring facilities for new teams or activities.
- Improving pitches and training facilities.
- Introducing new opportunities for people to participate in rugby.
How much can clubs receive?
Funding is available for projects of different sizes, with clubs required to contribute towards the overall cost.
For smaller awards, Sport Wales can fund up to 90% of eligible project costs.
For larger awards, funding can cover up to 80%, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Clubs should review the current guidance to understand the contribution required for their particular project.
Why we think it’s worth exploring
This is a particularly relevant opportunity because the fund is specifically designed to support grassroots sport.
Whether your club wants to introduce a new team, improve its facilities or invest in volunteer development, it’s worth investigating whether your project meets the criteria.
With the next application window opening in November, clubs have an opportunity to start preparing now.
Find out more and apply: Sport Wales – Be Active Wales Fund
💡 FYB Funding Tip: Don’t Just Explain What You Need – Explain Why It Matters
One of the most important things to remember when applying for funding is that funders want to understand the impact their investment will make.
For example, rather than simply asking for £2,000 to purchase rugby equipment, explain how that equipment will help your club introduce a new girls’ team, provide opportunities for 30 additional players or make rugby more accessible to your local community.
Think about three questions:
Who will benefit?
Identify the people your project will support and explain why they need it.
What difference will it make?
Describe the positive outcomes you hope to achieve, whether that’s increased participation, improved wellbeing or stronger community connections.
How will you measure success?
Consider how you’ll demonstrate the impact of your project, from participation numbers and new members to feedback from those involved.
A strong funding application isn’t simply about what your club needs. It’s about what your club can achieve with the support.
🏉 More Funding Opportunities Coming to Fill Your Boots!
These four opportunities are just the beginning.
From November 2026, we’ll be publishing FYB Funding Focus on the first Wednesday of every month, highlighting grants, financial support and funding opportunities available to grassroots rugby clubs across the UK.
We’ll be searching for opportunities covering:
🏉 Women’s and girls’ rugby
🏉 Junior rugby development
🏉 Club facilities and infrastructure
🏉 Equipment and resources
🏉 Disability and inclusive rugby
🏉 Volunteer development
🏉 Community engagement
🏉 Club sustainability and running costs
Our aim is simple: to make it easier for grassroots rugby clubs to discover funding opportunities they might otherwise miss.
We know how much time and effort goes into running a rugby club, and if we can help volunteers spend a little less time searching for funding and a little more time developing the game, that’s a step in the right direction.
Join the FYB Community
This introductory edition of FYB Funding Focus is available to everyone.
Going forward, our monthly funding updates will be available through the Fill Your Boots platform, alongside our growing Resources Library and other tools designed to support grassroots rugby.
Membership is completely FREE, and our community is open to everyone involved in grassroots rugby.
Whether you’re a club chairperson, treasurer, coach, volunteer or simply someone passionate about the game, we’d love to have you involved.
Join Fill Your Boots today and don’t miss our first full FYB Funding Focus on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Funding information correct to the best of our knowledge as of 28 October 2026. Grant availability, eligibility requirements and application deadlines can change. Clubs should always check the latest information directly with the funding provider before applying. Inclusion in this article does not guarantee eligibility or funding.
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