Paddle UK is delighted to announce over £68,000 in funding for paddling projects across England.
Thirty-one paddling projects across England will receive a funding boost, thanks to the Paddle England Stronger Together Fund.
Paddle UK received nearly 100 high-quality applications for the Stronger Together Fund from England-based paddling clubs, organisations, and charities.
Grants of up to £2,500 were made available to not-for-profit delivery partners, clubs, groups, and charities aiming to deliver paddlesports events and projects to get more people paddling more often.
The Stronger Together Strategy, launched by Paddle UK in March 2022, outlines the vision and ambitions of the organisation. At its heart is the principle that everyone should be able to enjoy paddling regardless of identity, ability, or circumstance.
The Fund is generated by income from Paddle UK (England) members to support outstanding projects that bring this vision to life.
The funding ensures paddlers can achieve their sporting and recreational ambitions in safe, high-quality, and fun environments throughout the Stronger Together initiative.
Priority for funding was given to projects that enhance paddling opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities, broadening access to the sport.
These include initiatives targeting young people, women and girls, and people with disabilities.
Successful projects were also required to demonstrate sustainability by providing support, access, and opportunities beyond the duration of the Stronger Together Fund.
One of the funded projects, And Fitness For All, promotes inclusive and accessible fitness, with the grant delivering additional paddling sessions to local children.
Chris Shaw, Director at Fitness For All, said:
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen first-hand how transformative paddlesports can be, not just in building water confidence and skills, but also seeing their teamwork skills, resilience, and self-development grow.
“With this funding, we can ensure that more young people can access high-quality coaching, develop their abilities, and take part in new and exciting experiences on the water.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Paddle UK for believing in our vision and helping us create a sustainable future for this programme. This funding means that more of our dedicated staff and volunteers can gain formal coaching qualifications, more young people can benefit from structured sessions, and we can continue to expand the programme’s reach well beyond our initial programme.”
This announcement marks a significant milestone for Paddle England’s Stronger Together Fund as it continues to champion inclusive growth and inspire a lifelong passion for paddling across diverse communities.
Anna Stishova, Instructor at the Anderton Centre, is excited to introduce paddling to more people through the Stronger Together Fund.
She said: “On behalf of the Anderton Centre and the MNI Youth, we are very grateful for this unique opportunity for our local communities to be not only introduced to the new sports through the Stronger Together Fund, but also to be able to participate in the official canoe racing event.
“We have worked with the MNI Youth on various projects already, so this is an amazing opportunity to strengthen our relationship further and ensure that young people and their leaders and parents/carers who will be investing their time and energy into the sessions, will have an organised competition event to showcase their new skills and be proud of their achievements.”
Download the full list of Stronger Together Fund 2025 recipients.
Paddle UK is the national governing body for paddlesports. We have UK and English functions and the Paddle England Stronger Together Fund is a programme that is funded by revenue generated by Paddle UK (England) members.