Summer of Sport 2026 Grant Scheme
The Summer of Sport 2026 Grant Scheme will be launching soon and it will support and enable clubs and organisations to provide opportunities for children and young people in East Ayrshire (ages 3–26) to get active, stay active, remain active and improve their lives.
Activities should be free, targeted or offered at a reduced cost to maximise engagement and address barriers to participation. Funding is for activity delivered from June 2026 to March 2027.
Who can apply?
- Sports clubs/organisations providing sport/physical activity/outdoor adventure experiences and opportunities in East Ayrshire
- Sports clubs/organisations working with children and young people in East Ayrshire (ages 3–26)
- Sports clubs/organisations who are affiliated to East Ayrshire Sports Council or East Ayrshire Youth Work Network.
- Clubs/organisations who are not affiliated members can do so by contacting CommunityPathways@Ayrshire360.com and you will be supported by the appropriate staff member.
What we will fund?
Ayrshire360 has committed £100,000 from sportscotlands investment in Summer of Sport in East Ayrshire. This investment provides an opportunity for partners to focus on one or more of the following key strands:
Opportunities: Deliver a range of safe, welcoming and inclusive opportunities that reduce barriers to participation.
Pathways: Provide accessible pathways from short-term activity into sustained participation in school, club and community sport.
Enhancement: Build on existing provision (particularly over summer and beyond), avoid duplication and strengthen what already exists.
Targeted: Introduce targeted initiatives where gaps exist, with a focus on long-term engagement beyond the funding period.
Workforce: Recruit, train and retain coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders to grow local workforce capacity.
Profile: Help raise the profile of sport locally and celebrate participation and success.
When assessing applications, we may also look for evidence of:
- Strong partnerships and collaborative delivery with key partners
- Co-created activity shaped by existing members, participants and communities
- Building on existing services/assets and using what’s already known to work
- Targeting groups more likely to face barriers (e.g., higher risk of poverty and/or living in rural areas
Examples of what you can apply for
- Free, fun, active holiday-time activities that create social connections
- Multi-sport camps, festivals and taster events with a clear pathway into clubs
- Post-summer sessions leading into club and community opportunities
- Equipment purchases and facility hire (including equipment to support inclusion of disabled participants)
- Travel costs for participants on low incomes and/or living in rural communities
- Approaches to recruit and retain volunteers and young leaders
- Training to support inclusive delivery (e.g., trauma-informed practice, disability inclusion) and/or coach education qualifications.
- Workforce costs, including coaches, sessional staff and volunteer expenses
- Support for local clubs to help children and young people access local sport (e.g., open days, club fees)
- PVG application costs for volunteers and deliverers
Funding available
Sports clubs and organisations are encouraged to start developing ideas now and applications submitted can be up to the value of £7500.
Please note that successful applicants will be required to complete an evaluation process reporting on the funded project, demonstrating the impact and celebrating success. This will be required from all successful applicants and will also be submitted to sportscotland who have provided the Summer of Sport 2026 funding in East Ayrshire.
Applications will be welcome within the submission periods below until the funding allocation is depleted or at the close of 2026/27 financial year and project completion in time for reporting window in April 2027.
| APPLICATION PERIOD | OPEN FROM | CLOSING DATE |
| 1 | MON 25 MAY 2026 | FRI 19 JUNE 2026 |
| 2 | THURS 3 SEP 2026 | SUN 27 SEP 2026 |
| 3 | MON 14 DEC 2026 | SUN 10 JAN 2027 |
