As winter sets in, grassroots sports clubs across the UK are facing mounting pressure to stay open amid rising energy costs. New research reveals that 86% of UK grassroots sports clubs say reducing energy costs is “hugely important” this winter, with energy bills ranking among the top three challenges threatening their ability to operate.
In Scotland, Helensburgh Cricket & Rugby Football Club is one of the many clubs that has benefited from the British Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund, which closed in October. Thanks to this support, the club has been able to reach their funding goal of £52,000 and reduce £10k a year in energy costs through insulation, boiler upgrades, and solar panels, helping ensure it remains open and accessible to the local community.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by findings that two in five publicly owned sports facilities are at risk of reducing operating hours due to energy cost increases.
Gold medal-winning ParalympicsGB swimmer Ellie Simmonds is championing the cause, calling for sustainable solutions to protect the future of grassroots sport. Ellie, who began her journey in community pools, warns that without action, countless young people could lose access to the same opportunities that shaped her success.
From cricket pitches to tennis courts, the £1 million British Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund has supported clubs nationwide in implementing sustainable energy upgrades to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
