What is the Sutherland Sports Council?
SSC is a voluntary body which exists to promote and develop local sporting opportunities.

The Executive Committee is made up from individuals from local sports clubs and organisations, supported by elected members and professional staff.Affiliation to Sutherland Sports Council is open to any sports club (or individual if no club is available) in Sutherland.

Grant Scheme
Sutherland Sports Council operates a grant aid scheme which offers financial assistance to member clubs/individuals for the following:

CLUB START UP GRANTS - This is available to newly formed clubs only, based in the Sutherland Area.Grant aid is available up to a maximum of £100.

COACHING COURSES - Grant aid is available up to a maximum of £250 or 50% (whichever is the lesser amount), for attending coaching courses.Awards for individuals resident and belonging to an affiliated club based in the Sutherland Area to obtain a National Governing Body coaching or referees certificate or SVQ Awards, National coaching Foundation and other appropriate qualification.The grant will include travel, course fees and accommodation costs.

Grant aid is also available for coaching courses focusing on either coach development or player development within the District.

EQUIPMENT GRANTS - Grants for equipment will normally be 50% of the costs up to a maximum of £500 (whichever is the lesser amount), and will only be paid for items which will become the property of the club.Payments will not be made for non durable items such as team clothing, strips, track-suits, etc.Clubs are required to insure items of equipment purchased and agree to any conditions set out by Sutherland Sports Council.

EXCELLENCE GRANTS - (In association with Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise) - Grant aid to a maximum of £300 at International or £150 at national level (or 50% if lesser) is available to support and encourage talented athletes resident within Sutherland.These awards are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the annual sports awards.

TRANSPORT GRANTS (in association with CASE) - Clubs who have travel costs exceeding £75 per year will be eligible to apply for a grant normally for a third of the costs to a maximum of £50.Travel costs are solely for bonifide youth/under 18 sports competitions/events.

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS - any project that increases participation in sport and improves performance of sport or any other project that is considered to be in the interest of sports development will be eligible to apply for a sports development grant up to a maximum of £100.

DISCRETIONARY ASSISTANCE - Purposes and categories other than those specified above to a maximum of £200 to promote sport in its widest sense.Transport grants can be paid to approved events at one third of the proposed deficit up to a maximum of £100.

How can SSC help you?
As well as access to the grant scheme, SSC are here to help with:

•Assistance and advice with event organisation including triathlons, football festivals, golf tournaments, etc.
•Advice on funding opportunities - with relevant leaflets, mailings and information on current financial sources.
•Access to equipment - available from the Council Offices in Golspie.
•Coaching courses, resources and seminars - supporting the Gael Force Ten initiative and relevant coach education programmes.
•Speaking out for local sport - ensuring the profile of Northern sport remains high with both Highland and National agencies.
•Specific Projects - More ambitious projects have included the production of walking books, erection of basketball stands and all the accompanying fund-raising and administration.

How to join?
Application forms can be obtained from the Council Offices, Main Street, Golspie, KW106RB, Tel: 01408 633033.
New clubs must pay a subscription fee of £5, agree to sign up to the Child Protection Policy, enclose a copy of the club constitution and provide proof of a bank account with their membership application.
Individual applicants must pay a subscription fee of £2.