Barclays / Sported

Barclays Community Sport Fund: Female Coaches for Girls Grant

Fixed £200 grants, run by Sported for the Barclays Community Sport Fund, for not-for-profit clubs and groups to put women through a Level 1 (or equivalent introductory) coaching qualification in football, cricket or tennis, so more women coach women's and girls' grassroots sport. A club can apply for up to two coaches. Open UK-wide, including to groups that have had a Barclays Community Sport Fund grant before. Applications close at 5pm on 4 November 2026, or earlier if demand is high.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £200 – £400
Closes in: 9 days left; 4 November
Effort: Light; short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

Not-for-profit clubs and groups in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that run football, cricket or tennis activities for women and/or girls - charities, community groups, youth groups and traditional sports clubs - applying on behalf of the coaches
Groups that have already had a Barclays Community Sport Fund grant can still apply
Each coach put forward must be aged 16+ (or 18+ depending on the course), already coaching girls or wanting to start, part of a club or group with women's and/or girls' provision (e.g. player, parent of a player, volunteer), and able to take the qualification within 12 months
Up to two coaches per club, even if it runs more than one of the sports
Schools are not eligible; charities that support schools may be considered if open to girls from the wider community and delivery is community focused
Applicants must have a governing document (or charity/company number), a bank account in the organisation's name, and declare an up-to-date safeguarding policy, health and safety policy and insurance
Applications from female coaches from diverse backgrounds and with lived experience are particularly welcome

What it funds

Booking female coaches on to their Level 1 or equivalent introductory coaching course in football, tennis or cricket, plus any additional safeguarding and first aid requirements for the sport

If the course costs less than £200, the rest can go on the coach's expenses, equipment or further training; if it costs more, the grant is a contribution.

What it will not fund

Higher level coaching qualifications (e.g. Level 2, UEFA C)
Coaching qualifications for Futsal, Gaelic football, Padel or Pickleball
Individuals, sole traders or companies limited by shares
Schools and other educational institutions
Coaches who solely coach school sessions during curriculum time or after-school clubs
Personal bank accounts or accounts named 'Community'

How to apply

Read the FAQs on Sported's Female Coaches for Girls page to check eligibility
Complete the short online application form in one sitting (it cannot be saved), explaining how upskilling the coach will develop your women's and girls' football, cricket or tennis and why the coach is a good choice
Upload your governing document (or give your charity or company number) and a recent bank statement
Submit by 5pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026; the fund may close earlier if demand is high
If successful, the money is paid to the club; book the coach on the course and pay for it directly, ideally within six months
Give feedback on how the coach has supported women's and girls' activity; some groups are audited for course booking and payment

For accessibility support or other formats, email barclays@sported.org.uk.

Have ready

Governing document in the organisation's name (e.g. constitution or articles of association; a National Governing Body template must show your organisation's name), or a charity or company number
Bank statement in the organisation's name, dated within the last 3 months, showing account name, sort code and account number

You also declare that you are not-for-profit and have up-to-date safeguarding and health and safety policies and relevant insurance.

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