PROJECTS designed to entice people into playing are being invited to access a share of £40m of Sport England funding.

Grassroots sport across the country is being backed by the National Lottery money which will be given out via the Community Sport Activation Fund.

The scheme forms part of Sport England’s strategy to deliver a lasting legacy to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Sport England will invest around £12.5m in the first two rounds of the community fund. Further funding will be on offer in 2014 and 2015.

Community groups, charities and councils are among those who can bid for the funding with grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 on offer.

Bids for the first round of funding will be accepted until February 4 and it is hoped supported projects will be up and running by June.

Jennie Price, Sport England’s chief executive, said: “We want to hear from sports groups across the country that have innovative ideas to get more people involved in sport.

“This fund will help us to build on the momentum of last year’s Olympics, by showing that sport has something for everyone, wherever you live and whatever interests you.”

Details on funding applications can be found on-line at www.sportengland.org/funding.