ELGA- ADDITIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING SECURED

Following ELGA's successful application to Sport England for World Class Performance & Potential lottery funding in 2000, an application for lottery funding for our World Class Start Programme has also been successful.

In year one, which runs from 1 October 2001, the value of the award is in excess of £170,000, of which ELGA must contribute £15,000.

The Start Programme will enable ELGA to identify ability at a young age, offer suitable coaching and support and thereby create a pool of exceptionally talented golfers who will be the members of future Elite squads funded through the World Class Programmes.

The members of the eight strong England Under 16 squad, Select squads in the North & South and six other Regional training squads receive awards to be used to cover coaching, travelling expenses and equipment financed 50:50 by the Start Programme and ELGA bursaries.

Start also funds their squad training plus fitness and sports medicine provision. Sport England is providing additional funding for ELGA's 'Pre Start Programme' and thirty girls - the five Birdie Groups - aged between 10 & 13, with handicaps ranging from 5 to 25 are already receiving specialist coaching under the scheme.

More groups will be formed next year with the eventual aim of a group within 30 miles of every player. The advent of Lottery funding has meant that money previously committed to training has been released to invest in ladies golf at grass roots level, especially in the development of junior golf.

More details from: Sue Dennis, Secretary, ELGA Edgbaston Golf Club, Church Road, Birmingham B15 3TB

Tel: 0121 456 2088 Fax 0121 454 5542
Email: suedennis@englishladiesgolf.org