Grassroots sports clubs on the South Coast invited to join Cash for Kids Sports Challenge 2026

Hundreds of grassroots sports clubs, schools and community groups across the South Coast are being invited to sign up for the Cash for Kids South Coast Sports Challenge 2026, the charity’s annual fundraising competition that has channelled more than £5.6 million into grassroots sport across the UK since it began in 2018.

The Sports Challenge supports local groups working to open up sport to disadvantaged and disabled children and young people up to the age of 18. Running from 21 September to 19 October 2026, it challenges clubs to raise as much as they can, with Cash for Kids South Coast then topping up the total they bring in.

In 2025, the top fundraiser received up to £5,000 in match funding, with £2,500 for second place and £1,500 for third. Clubs that raised at least £1,500 were also eligible for £500 bonus awards.

The funding can be used for everything from coaching development, kit and equipment to team subs, tournament costs, new team set-ups and facility improvements. Last year’s challenge saw local clubs across the South Coast raise £18,235.88, before grants.

Portsmouth children’s gymnastics charity Viva Gymnastics took first place, raising £15,616.88 including a £5,000 grant. The Warren Mead Schools Parent and Friends Association finished second with £5,575.00, Synergy Dance Outreach third with £4,509.00, and Act Self Defence also received a £500 award for taking part.

Viva Gymnastics runs inclusive sessions at the John Pounds Centre in Portsea and the Skill Centre in Hilsea. The club kept fundraising free to join so that every family could get involved – from a daily 10-minute movement challenge to one young gymnast completing 20 giants around the bar over 20 days, dressed as an inflatable dinosaur. Viva offers up to 20 hours a week of SEND-inclusive sessions and hopes to use future funding to create a dedicated space for children with additional needs.

“At Viva, it’s children over achievements,” said Hayley Williams for Viva Gymnastics. “We want to give every child access to gymnastics, whatever their background or ability. Keeping things fun and inclusive is what matters most to us, and the support from Cash for Kids means even more local families can take part.”

“The Sports Challenge is a highlight of our year, because it puts money straight into the grassroots clubs doing such brilliant work in their communities,” said Lisa Congdon, Cash for Kids South Coast manager. “Every club that takes part comes away a winner, so whether it’s buying new kit, paying for tournament costs or setting up a new team, all money raised helps local children who couldn’t otherwise afford to join in.”

The challenge opens on 17 August. Grassroots sports groups interested in taking part in Sports Challenge 2026 can find out more and register their interest with the Cash for Kids South Coast team via email [email protected].