Sports Funding for Sustainable Upgrades (Updated for 2025)
Across Norfolk, local sports clubs are under increasing pressure to modernise their facilities and reduce their environmental impact. Sustainability is now becoming an essential part of keeping community sport alive.
In 2025, the UK government’s commitment to grassroots and sustainable sport has never been stronger. New funding opportunities are helping clubs upgrade floodlights, install solar panels, and create energy-efficient changing facilities, future-proofing local sport for everyone.
In this article, we explain the current funding opportunities and show how Aspect Group Services can help Norfolk’s sports clubs access grants, secure approvals and deliver certified, sustainable installations from start to finish.
Government Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Upgrades
The UK Government is investing heavily in sustainable sports infrastructure, with major funding streams designed to modernise community facilities across the country. From improving energy efficiency and accessibility to supporting long-term environmental goals, these grants aim to help clubs create greener, more inclusive spaces. In this section, we outline the available and how Aspect Group Services can help you to upgrade your local community sports clubs.
Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme (2021–2026)
The UK Government has committed £420 million between 2021 and 2026 to improve grassroots sports facilities (GOV.UK). This programme supports upgrades to pitches, changing rooms, lighting and accessibility while also prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability.
The initiative recognises that modern sports infrastructure must do more for smaller local community groups. The changes made must be efficient, inclusive and environmentally responsible, so clubs that can demonstrate long-term sustainability are more likely to meet the grant requirements under this scheme.
£100 Million Targeted Funding for 2025 – 2026
In the upcoming 2025- 2026 financial year, an extra £100 million has been allocated specifically for grassroots upgrades, with 40% directed to multi-sport sites (GOV.UK). These are often the heart of local communities, supporting people with physical activity at their community sports clubs.
We help community sports clubs navigate this process by identifying the most suitable funding streams, preparing supporting documents and designing upgrade plans that align with sustainability criteria. Our technical expertise ensures projects are fully compliant with both the clubs and funders expectations before submission.
£900 Million Total Sports Investment
The government’s total sports investment now in excess of £900 million, announced in June 2025. Of that, over £400 million is committed to grassroots facilities, while £500 million will be supporting the hosting major international events including EURO 2028 and the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 (GOV.UK).
This combined investment highlights that sustainability is a core requirement for future sports funding. For clubs in Norfolk, that means working with certified specialists like Aspect Group Services can strengthen the credibility and technical quality of funding applications.
Current Initiatives Driving Sustainability, Sport and Physical Activity
National strategies are reshaping how sport and physical activity respond to the climate crisis. Currently, there’s a clear shift towards building climate resilience and supporting inclusive participation. In this section, we explain the current sustainable initiatives available to support young people, culturally diverse communities and local sports groups.
Sport England’s Every Move Strategy
With the threat of climate change and extreme weather events, participation energy is declining, particularly for local communities. Sport England’s Every Move strategy places sustainability at the centre of sport development. It commits £45 million to climate action and requires major sports organisations to publish sustainability plans by 2027 (Sports England).
Low-income households, low incomes disabled people, marginalised communities, children and older people are most at risk of missing out on physical activity due to extreme weather events.
For community facilities, this strategy means that funding bids must show measurable environmental benefits, focusing on energy efficiency, lower emissions, and climate resilience. We work closely with sports clubs to turn their goals into practical plans, and our experienced team can help to outline carbon reduction targets, energy efficiency measures and installation strategies that fit within Sport England’s framework.
The Movement Fund and Green Investment
Sport England’s Movement Fund offers flexible grants of £300 to £15,000 to grassroots clubs and local groups. In 2025, £16 million was ringfenced for green sport initiatives, covering everything from renewable energy to biodiversity improvements (Sports England).
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Installing solar panels and battery storage
- Replacing inefficient floodlights with LED systems
- Improving insulation and heating systems
- Managing surface water and drainage
- Creating accessible, energy-efficient changing facilities
We support clubs at every step, from identifying funding routes to preparing grant applications and delivering certified installations, and our accreditations in solar PV, EV charging, and energy-efficient lighting ensure that every project meets technical and compliance standards required by funding bodies.
UK Sport’s Sustainability Accelerator Programme
UK Sport’s Sustainability Accelerator, launched in 2023, has already influenced how national governing bodies approach environmental responsibility. Results show that 80% of organisations now see sustainability as essential to long-term success, and 100% feel better equipped to take action (UK Sport).
Using a Electric Supplier that uses 100% Renewable Energy
By signing up with a supplier that only generates/supplies renewable energy (there are certain tariffs you can be put on) you’re ensuring the chain of carbon neutral energy is continued.
Furthermore, by using more power in off peak times, you are also reducing the grid’s dependence on non-renewable sources. Charging your battery storage or car in off peak times means you’re reducing grid spikes, and if you’re on a low rate overnight tariff, this is even more incentive to charge at a cheap rate to discharge in peak times.
Sustainable Upgrades for Wymondham Rugby Club, Norfolk
Among Norfolk’s most notable sustainable club upgrades is Wymondham Rugby Club, who, working alongside Aspect Group Services, had a 57.6 kW solar array installed, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint and significantly cut its energy costs.
This system provides renewable energy year-round and supports the club’s goal to become energy sufficient. The community facilities now combine sport and sustainability in a way that benefits everyone.
By modernising its infrastructure, the club has improved efficiency, boosted community engagement and aligned with government sustainability priorities.
Benefits and Outcomes of Funding Sustainable Upgrades
Investing in sustainable upgrades delivers long-term value far beyond environmental impact. From cutting energy costs and lowering emissions to strengthening community ties, the benefits reach every level of a club’s operation.
Reduced Energy Costs
Energy efficiency measures such as solar PV systems, LED lighting and improved insulation can reduce operational costs. These savings allow clubs to reinvest more into coaching, youth programmes and community initiatives.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Every upgrade contributes to the UK’s wider net zero goal. Clubs that can quantify their carbon savings in funding bids will be more competitive. Aspect Group Services helps clubs measure potential carbon reductions and include verified calculations in their applications.
Stronger Community Relationships
Sustainable improvements send a clear message to members, supporters and local partners: this club is investing in its future. Facilities that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility often see higher membership, stronger volunteer support and better sponsorship opportunities.
Long-Term Asset Value
Energy-efficient facilities are more resilient and valuable. They attract funding, reduce maintenance costs and provide a stable platform for growth. By using certified installers, clubs ensure their systems perform reliably for decades.
Climate Resilience
With extreme weather becoming more common, sustainability also means durability. Upgraded drainage, water systems and materials can prevent costly damage. Our team integrates climate resilience measures into every facility design and retrofit.
How to Access Sustainable Upgrades Funding
Accessing funding for sustainable upgrades starts with understanding which programmes best match your club’s goals. National bodies like Sport England, the Football Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund all prioritise projects that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.
Key Funders and Partners
- Sport England: Main source for grassroots and sustainability-focused grants.
- Football Foundation and FA: Support football facilities with emphasis on community and carbon efficiency.
- National Lottery Community Fund: Offers grants for climate-related community projects.
- Local Authorities and Active Partnerships: Co-fund sports development aligned with environmental goals.
- Private Sponsors and Match Funding: Green credentials help attract local business partnerships.
Eligibility and Priorities
Most funding programmes prioritise projects that:
- Serve under-represented or deprived areas
- Improve energy efficiency and environmental performance
- Offer multi-sport access and community use
- Provide measurable carbon or cost savings
- Demonstrate strong delivery capability through experienced partners
We support every bid’s strength by providing technical feasibility reports, budget outlines, and verified energy performance data which all essential for a successful submission.
Final Thoughts
With record levels of funding now available, Norfolk sports clubs have a clear opportunity to secure financial support for sustainable upgrades, but only if they act.
Our experienced team deliver end-to-end support, from identifying the right grants and preparing strong applications to delivering compliant, certified renewable installations. With proven local success, including Wymondham Rugby Club, our team helps clubs move from ambition to delivery with confidence.
If your Norfolk club is considering solar, energy efficiency or wider sustainability improvements, now is the time to start. Contact Aspect Group Services today to arrange an initial consultation and take the first step towards securing sustainable sports funding in Norfolk.
