Residents, community organisations, sports clubs and aspiring athletes are invited to apply for funding through three new grant programmes designed to create healthier communities, strengthen local sport and support sporting excellence.

Delivered through the Torbay on the Move initiative, the three funding streams will provide targeted support for community wellbeing projects, local sports clubs and talented athletes progressing through recognised performance pathways.

The new Move More Grant Scheme will provide grants of £500–£2,000 to community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and local partners working to help Torbay’s least active residents become more physically active.

The programme focuses on gentle, accessible activities that improve health, wellbeing and social connection, particularly for older adults, disabled residents, people living with long-term health conditions, carers and those experiencing loneliness or poor mental health.

Projects could include walking groups, chair-based exercise sessions, beginner activity programmes, wellbeing walks, inclusive dance sessions and family movement activities.

The Active Clubs Grant Scheme will also offer grants of £500–£2,000 to local sports clubs and organisations looking to improve facilities, increase participation and strengthen long-term sustainability.

Funding can support facility improvements, accessibility adaptations, equipment purchases, volunteer development, coaching qualifications and projects that encourage more people to take part in sport.

Priority will be given to projects that increase opportunities for children and young people, women and girls, disabled residents, older adults and communities experiencing higher levels of deprivation or inactivity.

The scheme aims to create stronger clubs, better facilities and more opportunities for residents across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity.

The third funding stream, Believe to Achieve, has been created to support talented local athletes who are progressing through recognised National Governing Body performance pathways.

Funding awards range from:

• £350 for county-level athletes
• £750 for regional-level athletes
• Up to £1,500 for athletes selected to national development or elite squad pathways

The funding is designed to help cover the costs associated with training and competition, including travel, coaching, equipment, training camps and performance support services.

The programme aims to reduce financial barriers that can prevent talented athletes from reaching their potential while recognising the achievements of local sportspeople who act as positive role models within the community.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “These three programmes form a key part of our ambition to create a healthier, more active and connected community by supporting people at every stage of their physical activity journey—from taking their first steps towards a more active lifestyle, through participation in local sport, to competing at the highest levels.

“Earlier this year we launched our Healthy Weight Framework which sets out how we can encourage residents to achieve and maintain healthier weights.

“Providing more opportunities for people to take part in physical activity throughout their lives is an important part of this which is why we are supporting these programmes.”

Applications for all three programmes will be assessed quarterly, with funding panels meeting in July and October 2026, January 2027 and March 2027.

The first application deadline for all schemes is 12 noon on Friday 3 July 2026.

Read more and apply for funding

You can also email torbay.move@torbay.gov.uk.