COSASA Allocations' Policy

Aim

COSASA aims to maximise participation by all sectors of the community and provide pathways to excellence in order to enable every athlete to fulfil their potential.  Grants will be distributed to enhance athletics development in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire and promote achievement in the build up to and beyond the London Olympics in 2012.

Distribution of funds

4 grant programmes will operate as follows:

1. Club Development (open fund)

·         Applications will only be accepted from City of Stoke AC or clubs/ organisations affiliated to City of Stoke AC.

·         Funding will be distributed to support new initiatives that enhance the club's membership or administration systems.

·         The applicant should be able to meet 25% of the total project costs either in cash or in kind.

2. Coach Development (open fund)

·        Funding will be distributed to enable athletics coaches/ officials to improve their knowledge, qualifications and experience.

·          Funding will be distributed to applicants to enable them to attend a course/s, which is governing body recognised and supports the development of athletics.

·          Applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the total cost of the course.

·        Applicants will not be considered for courses already completed before the date of the application.

·         Associated travel and accommodation is ineligible for funding.

·         Applicants must be either an active or willing to be an active coach supporting City of Stoke AC or athletics development at Northwood Stadium.

3. Performance Development (open fund)

·         Funding will be distributed to facilitate athlete development, which enhances individual, squad or team performance.

·        Applications will only be accepted from bona fide organisations supporting City of Stoke AC or athletes based at Northwood Stadium.

·        Applicants should be able to meet 25% of the total project costs either in cash or in kind.

4. Talent Fund (open fund)

·         Funding will be distributed to talented athletes who have been ranked within the top 10 in the UK (end of summer season rankings) for their age group within the last two years. Athletes in receipt of UKA funding will not be eligible to apply.

·          Applications will be accepted from City of Stoke AC members or athletes whose primary training base is at Northwood Stadium. Athletes will be required to be a fully paid member of their club.

·        Applicants must be between the age of 11 and 19 years of age or in full time education (excluding mature students).

·        Applicants can apply once per year. Applicants applying for a second or third grant must meet the progression criteria (TBC).

·        A maximum grant of £250 will be distributed to each individual, actual allocation amounts will be at the discretion of the allocations' committee.

Community Development (closed fund)

·       Funding will be held by COSASA to develop community activity, which supports further opportunities for athletics development through communities in North Staffordshire.

·          Funding will be utilised to support activities such as:

                                                              i.      Community events/ programmes

                                                            ii.      School to club links

                                                          iii.      Community to club links

                                                          iv.      Fund raising events

·       For further information on the community development programme please contact COSASA direct.

How to apply for grants

·         Applications must be made on the approved application form.

·         Applications must satisfy the eligibility criteria.

·         Completed application forms must be returned to COSASA.

·         The closing dates for completed applications are as follows: April 10th, July 25^th, Sep 30^th, Dec 31^st.

·         Grants will be approved, deferred or declined quarterly. Notification will be given within one month of the quarterly closing dates.

·         Following the award of any grant, no applicant shall be entitled to any further grant for any eligible programme until the last grant has been satisfactorily reviewed by COSASA. No more than one application per person per year will be considered.