Working in conjunction with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local and national partners, Sported delivers a number of programmes to strengthen communities in the region.
Xtra Support WM
We know community organisations need extra support in planning, operations and governance.
It allows them to do more and reach further into the communities we all serve – creating a better West Midlands.
We are providing 213 local organisations in the region with expert advice, coaching, training and other resources.
The project is funded by The West Midlands Combined Authority and Sport England, in partnership with Active Black Country, Aston Villa Foundation, Locality, Sport Birmingham and Think Active.
By providing triage support to organisations that work with underserved groups from racialised communities, the scheme aims to reduce inequalities and improve community outcomes, building stronger, more inclusive networks of support.
As these organisations face operational, financial, and governance challenges, targeted assistance can enhance their stability and build their capacity – and ensure they continue to positively impact our communities.
What do they receive?
- Introductory session
- Healthcheck – a baseline review to assess their needs and identify priority areas for assistance
- Workshops on strategy, business growth, governance, and planning
- Advanced workshops on leadership, impact measurement and strategy
- Small grants up to £500 (based on completion)
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We successfully delivered the Active Partnership programme in conjunction with:
Active Black Country
Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Energize Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Together Active Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent
Think Active
The 5 Active Partnerships identified 27 local community sports groups, who had already been funded, but needed some wrap-around support, depending on the circumstances of the groups. Sported provided this support in two ways:
Start-Ups
Subjects covered were:
- Research their community and the young people
- Identify the impact they wish to have in the community
- Basic plan of what their idea is
- Development of their rules, structure, financial practice, policies and procedures, marketing and how they will engage the community
Sustainability Plan
Subjects covered were:
- Staff and volunteers
- Facilities for delivery
- Planning
- Financial Management and budgets
Partnership and collaboration - Fundraising
“We believe the project will provide an ongoing point of reference enabling us to evaluate and improve our charity on a regular basis"
– Shropshire Cycle Hub
Key statistics and achievements
0
organisations from across the West Midlands engaged in the project
0
%
of group leaders agree that the project has increased their confidence in the long-term sustainability of their group
50
%
of group leaders agreed that the project had increased their understanding of the areas they needed to develop to make their club stronger
0
%
of group leaders agree or strongly agree they are more confident in the survival of their group as a result of the project
50
%