SLT’s Grant Giving Scheme Boosts Grassroots Sport Across Sandwell

by Stuart Ashmore

Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) is backing grassroots community sport through its 2025 Grant Giving scheme, awarding nearly £7,000 to seven local voluntary and community groups across the borough. Delivered in partnership with SCVO, the programme supports organisations making a real difference to residents’ health and wellbeing.

This year’s funding has helped projects as diverse as non-contact boxing for young people with additional needs, walking football for older adults, and inclusive multi-sports sessions in culturally diverse communities.

Among the recipients is BoxClever Mentoring, whose weekly sessions at St Michael’s High School in Rowley Regis have become a lifeline for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Founder Craig Jones said: “Thanks to this timely grant, we can continue delivering these vital sessions, which are hugely popular and not available anywhere else.”

Other groups receiving £1,000 grants include:

  • Wednesbury Town Football Club, promoting inclusion across autism, LGBTQ+ and wider communities
  • Friar Park Millennium Centre, running Walking Football for Older Adults
  • Warley Rugby Club, bridging the gap between junior and senior rugby
  • Special Olympics Sandwell, offering swimming lessons for people with learning disabilities in Halesowen

Additionally, West Bromwich Basketball Club received £960 to support youth development, while ExcelR8 CIC, also based in West Bromwich, was awarded £955 for its inclusive multi-sports activities.

SLT CEO Mark Braithwaite said: “We’re delighted to be giving back to the local community by providing this small grants programme to a range of deserving groups across Sandwell. This is part of our ongoing commitment as a charity to ensure we balance our commercial aspirations and ensure sustainability, along with a strong social ethos for providing opportunities for everyone in Sandwell to enjoy a healthier and active lifestyle.”

Stuart Ashmore, SCVO’s Deputy CEO, added: “It’s been a hugely positive experience working with SLT to support community-led health and wellbeing. These projects show how local organisations can play a crucial role in helping residents stay active and connected.”

The initiative highlights the power of partnership and the impact that small, targeted grants can have in strengthening community sport and inclusion at a grassroots level.