ALTERNATIVE sports groups are encouraged to apply for lottery funding.

Active Essex wants clubs to apply for Sportivate grants, which aim to give young people the chance to discover a sport they will love.

Sportivate encourages people aged 11-25 who are not currently involved in a regular sport or activity to have a go at something new on a six-to-eight week free or subsidised course.

Active Essex chairman Gary Sullivan said: “Sportivate is a fantastic incentive for young people to get into sport and be more active. At Active Essex, we are committed to delivering a legacy from 2012 by providing more sporting opportunities for young people and we are very proud of the positive impact Sportivate has already had on our participants.”

There is £250,000 available for Essex projects from April 2014 to March 2015.

Applications must be made by January 15 for projects running from April to September.

To apply visit activeessex.org/sportivate and send forms to jim.messenger@activeessex.org.