Go! London Launches Programme to Build Financial Resilience in Sports Organisations

Go! London, the capital’s largest community sports fund, in collaboration with the School of Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), has launched Go! London Match. Trade. Grow. This new funding initiative provides grants that match, pound-for-pound, any increase from traded income of each organisation, empowering grassroots sports clubs in London to build financial resilience and continue expanding access to youth sports.

With backing from the Mayor of London, London Marathon Foundation, Sport England, and in partnership with London Marathon Events and London Sport, Go! London Match. Trade. Grow. enables not-for-profit organisations to explore a sustainable alternative to traditional grant funding. Open for applications from today, this programme supports organisations in building their own trading income activities, with funds reinvested into youth sports and physical activities for underserved communities.

Eligible organisations can apply for up to £25,000 in matched grants, with support to grow their individual trading income and turnover through sports-related activities or other ventures. Participants will also join a 12-month learning programme valued at £11,000, gaining skills, confidence, and leadership capacity to build a sustainable future for their organisations.

Broad Eligibility and Inclusive Application Process

Starting with a simple expression of interest, Go! London Match. Trade. Grow. welcomes organisations with turnover starting from £20,000. We encourage applications from groups that reflect London’s diverse communities, particularly those serving racialised and marginalised groups, disabled people, and low-income areas. Application support is available.

Quotes

Deputy Mayor of London for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said:

“I am delighted to see the launch of this new programme which will empower youth sports organisations to provide more opportunities and make our young people stronger and more resilient.

“Backed by the Mayor, this programme will benefit young Londoners by expanding access to sports and fostering healthier, more connected communities. This is key as we build a fairer and better city for everyone.”

Mike Diaper, Interim Group Funding and Impact Director, London Marathon Foundation said:

“Here at the London Marathon Foundation, we’re committed to working in collaboration with others in the sector to explore new funding models. Therefore, we’re delighted to be part of the launch of Go London Match.Trade.Grow. with its unique approach to sustainable grant funding. We hope this will serve as a great example of the potential to innovate that collaborative working provides.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director, Place, Sport England, said:

“We know that children and young people from less affluent families are often the least active, which has a negative impact on their future health, wellbeing, and opportunities.  At the very heart of Go! London is a desire to change this.  Go! London Match. Trade. Grow. will help to scale and strengthen organisations that are supporting young people from underserved communities through sport and physical activity and in doing so, create a fairer London.  We’re proud to be a part of this.”

Ali Wilson, CEO, School for Social Entrepreneurs, said

“We’re tremendously excited to announce the Go! London Match. Trade. Grow programme. The combination of a best in class learning programme with an innovative Match Trading™ grant provides a unique opportunity for sports organisations in London to build a more sustainable future, helping them to deliver impact in the communities that need it most.”

Notes for Editors

Go! London

Go! London, supported by the Mayor of London, London Marathon Foundation, and Sport England, is a £19.5 million initiative to increase access to sports and physical activity for young people across the capital.

www.golondon.org.uk

Match Trading™

Developed by SSE, Match Trading™ is an innovative grant model matching income earned through trading pound-for-pound to encourage sustainable revenue growth. Since 2017, it has supported over 1,000 organisations, achieving an average 34% increase in trading income.

Match Trading The School for Social Entrepreneurs

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For more information, high-resolution images, or case studies, contact:

• Rhys Pritchard, SSE Communications Partnerships Manager: [email protected]
• David McGlashan, SSE Head of Communications: [email protected]