A SHAKE UP of funding for youth sports clubs has been met with concerns from leading councillors.

The £160,000 subsidy - which covers the costs of lets for clubs serving kids under the age of 19 - was saved from the axe at the recent budget.

But Inverclyde Council officers have decided to scrap the existing funding formula based on the number of young people attending each club.

Instead they have introduced a £15,000 cap - and every club will have to apply for a grant from the £160,000 cash pot.

Both sports champion Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld and Chris McEleny voiced their concerns.

Speaking at the recent education and communities committee, Councillor McEleny, the SNP council group leader, said: "I am going to raise the same concerns that I have before.

"This smacks to me that we are doing something to a community rather than doing something with a community. There is zero evidence of consultation with those involved.

"My concern is for the successful sports hubs created like Ardgowan in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. If we put a ceiling of £15,000 then they will be penalised if they were to double the numbers taking part. There would be no more money available.

"They will not be able to grow as hubs.

"I also feel that these changes are never taken with the local community, we need to speak to people."

Councillor Lynne Quinn also spoke up to voice the concerns of sport champion Ronnie Ahlfeld, pictured.

She said: "He is quite clear that this is not the best way forward."

But Inverclyde Council's head of environment and public protection Martin McNab said that it was considered the best solution with the funds now available.

He added: "It has worked successfully for the grants for voluntary organisations. We want to make sure that the smaller clubs are fairly treated."

Before the budget, sports clubs including Inverclyde Athletics and local boys football sides, expressed their concerns that without the subsidy the number of youngsters taking part in sport would fall.

Council Leader Stephen McCabe warned at the meeting that it is unlikely they will be a position to sustain the level of subsidies needed to cover the cost of pitch hire.

But he added: "It seems perfectly reasonable to get feedback from the sports club with regards to the changes."

The councillors approved the changes to the registration process and the introduction of a cap.