GOOD SPORT GORDON IN CLUBS CASH BOOST.

Byline: BOB ROBERTS

SPORTS clubs are to get a Budget boost, it was revealed yesterday.

Chancellor Gordon Brown will give amateur groups special tax allowances to free up money to develop facilities.

And they will be allowed to register as charities to avoid paying tax on donations they receive.

Whitehall hopes the April 17 Budget will encourage more of us to take up sport by ending the image of run-down clubs with draughty changing rooms.

The Treasury said: "We want to recognise the contribution amateur sports clubs make to communities.

"They not only improve health, but can help cut crime by giving youngsters something to do."

Loughborough MP Andy Reed, a long-time champion of sports clubs, said the move was overdue. He said 150,000 groups in England and Wales were struggling to make ends meet.

"They are the lifeblood of sport in this country," he said.

"We need to give them all the help we can so we can have a network of thriving clubs that are attractive to youngsters promoting health and improving community spirit."

Around 1.5million people in England and Wales belong to amateur clubs - low compared to the rest of Europe.

Rugby player Mr Reed added links with schools must be encouraged.

He said many youngsters stop playing sport when they leave school.