About > Safeguarding > Stronger Clubs Initiative
Stronger Clubs Initiative
The Stronger Clubs Initiative is a new development programme from Active Notts and Active Derbyshire, designed to help sports clubs and community organisations create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
Successful organisations will receive:
- Up to £1,000 of project support
- Six months of tailored guidance from a Sport Welfare Lead
- Access to training, resources and specialist expertise
- Support to strengthen safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and participation
- Opportunities to connect with other clubs committed to positive culture change
Whether you’re looking to improve inclusion, empower young people, engage underrepresented communities or strengthen your club culture, we’ll help turn your ideas into action.
For more information, including case studies and FAQs, please read our information pack.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Sports clubs
- Community organisations
- Voluntary groups delivering sport or physical activity
Organisations must be operating in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire. Clubs of all sizes and levels of experience are encouraged to apply.
What Could Your Project Focus On?
We’re looking for projects that help create safer, more inclusive and welcoming experiences for participants.
Examples include:
- Youth Voice
- Disability Inclusion
- Safer Spaces
- Women and Girls in Sport
- Young Ambassadors
- Inclusive Participation
- Encouraging Inactive People into Sport
- Young Coaches and Leaders
- Building a Safer Club Culture
Don’t worry if your idea isn’t fully developed. We’ll work with you to shape your project and maximise its impact.
What Support Will You Receive?
Successful organisations will work directly with their dedicated Sport Welfare Lead to:
- Explore your club’s needs and opportunities
- Co-design an action plan
- Access relevant training and resources
- Improve safeguarding and welfare practices
- Strengthen inclusion and belonging within your organisation
- Measure and celebrate the impact of your project
Financial support of up to £1,000 is available to deliver agreed activities, training, resources or initiatives. Active Notts and Active Derbyshire will organise and pay for approved project costs directly.
Timeline
- Applications open: 01 September 2026
- Application deadline: 20 october 2026
- Project completion deadline: 28 February 2027
Successful organisations will receive an ongoing six months of tailored support from the beginning of project delivery.
Join an Information Session
Want to find out more before applying?
Join one of our free online information sessions:
Session 1: Thursday 03 September – 1-1:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday 09 September – 6-6.30pm
Session 3: Thursday 17 September – 12:30-1pm
Session 4: Monday 21 September 6-6.30pm
Session 5: Tuesday 22 September 12:30-1pm
New Dates!
Session 6: Monday 12 October 6:30-7pm
Session 7: Thursday 15 October 12:30-1pm
Ready to Apply?
If you’re passionate about creating a club where people feel safe, supported and included, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and take the next step towards building a stronger club.
Franky Boyland
Derbyshire Sport Welfare Lead
Lizzy Whittinghton
Notts Sport Welfare Lead
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