Grassroots sports clubs are the lifeblood of our communities – run by local heroes who give our young people invaluable opportunities, 365 days (and nights) of the year.
Many of these inspirational groups, many in our areas of greatest deprivation, are currently in jeopardy. And that threatens their capacity to give our next generation a safe space to grow – and to gain better chances in life.
You can partner with Sported, the UK’s leading charity supporting community sports organisations, to step in and answer their SOS plea.
Why help is needed
Sported keeps the lights on at our grassroots organisations by providing free resources, advice and assistance. Every penny we raise is spent on supporting local clubs and organisations who use the power of sport and physical activity to transform the lives of young people and help them overcome barriers so they can reach their full potential.
However 55% of groups we work with have seen a reduction in financial support over the past six months – with 54% hit by a significant rise in utility bills and 52% coping with a leap in their facility fees.
They’re not the only ones suffering. 60% of group leaders said they are dealing with young people who cannot afford activities, 56% had young people unable to afford kit or clothing, and over half have seen reductions in participation in, or disengagement from, sport and physical activity. All at a time when over one-third of those youths are flagging up mental health issues.
And as highlighted by the World Health Organisation, physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds, improving the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.
Your role in helping us,
Sported is establishing the SOS Fund to deliver an emergency grant that makes sure clubs can survive through the tough times so our young people are able to keep doing something they love.
We’ll create a package of bespoke help to these incredible group leaders – with tailored advisory support that not only helps them become more sustainable in the long term but more inclusive as well.
As part of this programme. we will provide them with business consultancy – provided at no cost to them and deploying a professional volunteering their time – to address critical needs around finance, planning or governance. They’ll also design an effective strategy for renewal that allows them to attract additional income and investment.
But as the economic climate bites, they need an ally like you at this tough moment in time. One who will work with us to ensure no child is left out in the cold and no floodlights are switched off for good. One ready to invest in their futures in partnership with Sported, providing a package of vital assistance that could be the difference between extraordinary opportunity and cruel oblivion.
How it works
Set up in 2008, Sported works with government and other partners like Barclays and Vodafone to get funds efficiently to those who needs them most. Through the SOS Fund, our primary ambition is to get priceless pounds to those groups who are otherwise sounds a helping hand when they need it most and steer them to a positive sustainable future.
Independent research suggests a £3,000 grant would deliver over £15,000 in benefit back to society – targeted here at building a better future for our kids.
We will work with you on the SOS Fund in a way that fits best with your organisational values and strategy.
The ultimate success story
Sported measures our success through young people’s lives shaped but also the impacts that community sport brings: in building cohesion, in reducing crime, improving aspiration and mental health.
The powerful stories that the SOS Fund will generate will attest to just how important this assistance will be – and paint a picture of the difference made. We will provide you with a tailored illustration highlighting the real impacts of your investment.
Together, we can help these beacons of hope generate further investment and grow afresh so they can write new stories – and remain at the heart of their community for years to come.