Supporting Community Sport: Hailsham Active’s Funding Success Since 2022
Since 2022, Hailsham Active has been proud to work in partnership with Step Up Sports Consultancy Limited, led by Annette Buswell, to support local clubs, organisations, and community groups in securing vital funding for sport and physical activity across East Sussex.
Together, this partnership has helped raise an incredible:
£687,019.47 across 22 successful funding bids
How the Partnership Works
Hailsham Active Chairman, Steve Wennington, regularly meets with local clubs, organisations, and individuals who are passionate about improving opportunities for sport and physical activity in their communities.
Steve provides guidance on:
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Facilities and development opportunities
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Activity planning
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Building partnerships
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Troubleshooting common challenges
Through this process, organisations are introduced to Step Up Sports Consultancy.
Annette Buswell then offers:
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A free initial consultation
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A tailored funding plan and timeline
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Identification of suitable funding opportunities
This support is provided completely free of charge, thanks to Hailsham Active’s sponsorship (currently supported by Lightning Fibre Limited).
All funding secured through this partnership has stemmed from these initial conversations, with Annette also contributing additional time to maximise the number of organisations supported.
Funding Success by Year
2022 – £302,304 Raised (10 Bids)
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April 2022: £740 from Waitrose for Fighting Fit Boxing Academy (women’s boxing sessions)
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April 2022: £9,058 from Sport England for Fighting Fit Boxing Academy (women’s boxing sessions)
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April 2022: £9,058 from National Lottery (offer returned due to duplicate funding)
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June 2022: £7,650 from Active Sussex to establish a GP Exercise Referral Scheme in Hailsham
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October 2022: £58,333 from Veolia Trust for pathway lighting at Western Road Recreation Ground
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October 2022: £23,850 from Hailsham Town Council (match funding for pathway lighting)
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October 2022: £75,000 from Veolia Trust for the ‘Get Active Pathway’ in Horam
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October 2022: £63,658 from Horam Parish Council towards the Horam pathway
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November 2022: £7,041 from Wealden District Council for inclusive boxing and kickboxing sessions
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December 2022: £47,916 from Biffa for the Horam pathway project
2023 – £15,009 Raised (3 Bids)
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June 2023: £2,293 from the Football Foundation for goalposts (Hailsham Youth FC)
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June 2023: £2,720 from National Lottery Awards for All for SEN ‘Sweet Circus’ workshops
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September 2023: £9,996 from the National Lottery for a youth club
Note: Much of 2023 focused on the development of a major £1,000,000 funding bid for a youth facility.
2024 – £237,525.47 Raised (5 Bids)
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January 2024: £5,000 from Wealden District Council (matched by Herstmonceux Parish Council) for community outdoor improvements
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March 2024: £216,460 secured for Hailsham Community College hockey astro facility
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October 2024: £8,070 from Wealden for exercise programmes supporting long-term health conditions
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December 2024: £7,500 from Garfield Weston Foundation for the Horam pump track
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December 2024: £495.47 for junior netball start-up costs
2025 – £56,732 Raised (2 Bids)
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June 2025: £49,732 from Veolia Trust for the Horam pump track
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June 2025: £7,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation for the Horam pump track
2026 (To Date) – £75,449 Raised (2 Bids)
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February 2026: £68,449 towards pavilion refurbishment
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March 2026: £7,000 for cricket facility improvements
Beyond Funding
In addition to securing grants, the partnership has also delivered:
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6 community consultation surveys, helping shape future projects and ensure local needs are met
Current Projects in Development
Hailsham Active continues to support a wide range of exciting projects, including:
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Pavilion refurbishment (multiple funding applications)
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Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA)
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Pathway improvements
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Play areas
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Men’s Shed initiatives
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Solar panel installations
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Cricket facility upgrades
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Pump track and nature area development
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Tennis court refurbishments
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Skate park improvements
Projects Under Discussion
Looking ahead, several additional projects are being explored:
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Floodlit artificial turf pitch for rugby
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Further pavilion refurbishment projects
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Netball court upgrades
Looking Ahead
This partnership continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration, expert guidance, and community-driven ambition.
By removing barriers to funding and providing free, accessible support, Hailsham Active and Step Up Sports Consultancy are helping to create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, stay healthy, and feel connected.
Get Involved
If you are part of a local club, organisation, or community group looking to develop your facilities or activities, support is available.
Start the conversation today and see how your ideas could become a reality.