The Department for Sport has made €4.4 million available to amateur sports clubs (ASD and SSD) that run swimming pools. Here are the requirements, the amounts and how to apply by 9 November.
Amateur sports associations and companies that run swimming pools have been able to apply for a non-repayable grant since last week. Applications go through the platform of the Department for Sport. They close at 12:00 on 9 November.
The funding comes from a €4.4 million increase in the Single Fund for the Support and Development of the Italian Sports Movement. Its stated aim is to help pool operators, who are considered particularly hard hit by emergency measures and rising energy costs.
The decree of 8 May 2026 by the Minister for Sport and Youth sets the criteria and procedures. These are additional funds, on top of those first announced. As a result, operators must submit an application to receive them.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet five requirements:
- Registration in the National Register of Amateur Sports Activities (RASD) by 31 December 2025
- Valid affiliation with a sports federation, a sports promotion body or an associated discipline recognised by CONI or CIP
- Pool management among the purposes in the statute
- Exclusive management of the facility through ownership, lease, administrative concession or an equivalent legal arrangement
- At least 30 registered members as of 8 May 2026
The decree also excludes operators that had ceased activity when it was published.
Which facilities qualify
Covered or convertible pools, with a certified covering system, need a basin at least 20 metres long and 150 square metres in area.
Open-air pools must be heated. Their basin must measure at least 25 metres and 400 square metres. In addition, the facility must have hosted at least one national championship race between 1 January 2023 and 8 May 2026. The race must be in an Olympic discipline and distance, and the competent federation must recognise and certify it. If a facility has several basins, only one counts toward the grant calculation.
How much applicants can receive
The base grant depends on the pool’s surface area. Covered or convertible pools receive €25,000 for 150 to 249 square metres, €40,000 for 250 to 399, and €60,000 above 399. Heated open-air pools that meet the requirements receive €60,000.
Two supplements apply. First, operators that run more than one facility in different locations receive an extra 50% of the €40,000 and €60,000 tiers. Each facility must have a covered basin of at least 250 square metres.
Second, clubs with registered athletes in Olympic swimming-based disciplines receive a further payment equal to their own tier. Between 1 January 2023 and 8 May 2026, those athletes must have taken part in the Olympic or Paralympic Games, the World Championships, or the Italian youth or senior championships. Only competitions organised and recognised by the national federations count. The federation of affiliation must certify eligibility.
Amounts may be scaled up or down in proportion to the number of applications, within the €4.4 million available.
How to apply
Applications are online only and must be submitted by 12:00 on 9 November 2026. Late applications are inadmissible. Applicants must attach three documents:
- The statute
- A sworn statement from a qualified professional on the dimensions of the basin or basins covered by the request
- The legal deed proving management of the facility (lease, rental, concession, business lease or title deed), valid and registered with the Revenue Agency under Presidential Decree 131/1986
Verification and payment
First, federations or sports promotion bodies must validate each application within 30 days of the deadline. Next, the Department reviews the documents and sets the amounts.
Payment is made by bank transfer through Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, to an account held under the tax code of the ASD or SSD.
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