Active Thames community sport fund opens

Active Thames, led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), has awarded £150,000 in grants to 26 successful applicants.

The increase in funding from over £90,000 last year to nearly £150,000 this year demonstrates the continuing commitment Active Thames partners have made to promoting activity on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent, and Essex.

Now in its third year, the Active Thames Fund has already made a significant impact by awarding over £200,000 to organisations such as Blue Therapy Active, Lower Thames Rowing Club and the AHOY centre. Read more about the impact of previous grants here.

Jenny Cooper-Low, PLA Sports Manager, said: “We want the Thames to be accessible, diverse and inclusive – a destination for physical activity. Previous grants are having a fantastic impact, and this year we are particularly keen to see clubs working together to deliver bigger projects in their communities.”

Interested clubs are encouraged to visit the Active Thames website for more information and to submit their applications. Applications for the 2023/2024 Active Thames Fund are now open, with a deadline of 5 November 2023.

Active Thames supports initiatives that aim to enhance access, diversity, and inclusion through targeting under-represented groups. It also creates more opportunities for people to benefit from being active outdoors and has supported over 40 clubs and charities to date. The partnership is comprised of Active Essex, Active Kent & Medway, London Sport, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Canal & River Trust, Thames Path National Trail and PLA.