SNP MSP for Glasgow and Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sports Committee, Bob Doris,  is asking for community sports providers in the city to step up to the plate to get their share of a £4m Scottish Government investment in community sports facilities.

There are two funding streams, one aimed at smaller applications below £100,000 and one for bids above that level. It is hoped that the money will help develop community sporting hubs locally, as well as develop facilities with regional and national significance.

Mr Doris is urging Glasgow sporting groups to look at the prospect of making a successful bid and get their application forms from sportscotland. Mr Doris has been working with several community sports providers and is keen to ensure that quality bids come in from across the city, particularly from areas with high levels of ill health and deprivation.

Urging Glasgow groups to apply for the new fund Mr Doris said: "This £4m investment from the Scottish Government is excellent news, but it will only be converted into hard cash for our city if sports organisations submit quality bids to sportscotland. I know of many local groups that could benefit from such cash and boost physical activity and sports participation, especially in areas with poor health records. There will be significant competition for this cash and we must ensure that our city does not lose out.

"I am particularly keen to see bids come in from community groups in areas of deprivation within the city, such as in parts of Maryhill and Springburn, and would be keen to support bids there. There are a number of groups I will be writing to directly to suggest they consider applying for funds but I hope we can generate as much publicity as possible to ensure no-one misses out on this opportunity.

Announcing the new fund the First Minister said: "We are committed to improving facilities for communities across Scotland, and we want everyone to be able to access quality sports amenities in their local area.

As well as creating 100 community sports hubs by 2014, through sportscotland, we have invested over GBP35 million in local facilities and over GBP31 million to support national and regional facilities since 2007, including 10 new and upgraded swimming pools and 22 football pitches.

"This commitment is especially important in the run-up to Homecoming 2014, the year in which Scotland will host the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. During 2011, the year of Active Scotland, we aim to celebrate and promote the benefits of an Active Scotland for all."

The announcement was made as the cabinet gathered in Fort William for its first meeting of four being held outside of Edinburgh during the summer.

Note:

Details of the new fund and application forms are available here.