Home > Funding the sports industry
Sport recieves funding from a range of sources. At an amateur level, sport clubs receive funding from the following sources:
1. Memebership fees - these are the basic income for most sport clubs
2. Monies raised by membership - there is a range of ways that clubs supplement their income. Many clubs charge team members 'match fees' whenever they play a game. Team dinners, dance, raffles all amke a profit for clubs.
3. Earned income - this may come from a number of sources. For example, money from bar and catering operations, especially with larger clubs.
4. Grants - are a large part of the income for amateur clubs. Local authorities provide grants to help pay for running costs of clubs or often provide facilities at reduced rates. The Sports Council can also provide grants to help clubs update or extend their facilities.
5. Sponsorship - many amateur clubs attempt to get this but but few succeed. Sponsorship may range from a local business/supplier donating a set of strips
to paying for the costs of matches in a specific league all season. These businesses usually get free advertising on shirts, in match prgrammes or around the ground in return. Generally successful clubs find it easier to get sponsorship than those less successful.
Professional clubs tend to get funding from the same sources as amateur clubs although grants from the Sports Council or National Lottery are only available under exceptional circumstances e.g. setting up a coaching programme for youngsters. Professional clubs also get added income from spectators, media interest and prize money.