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Sported creates the Community Pulse to listen to members

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Sported creates the community pulse to listen to members

By Sported |  8th April 2020

During this difficult time our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our staff, members, volunteers and the communities in which we work.

 

We understand that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing significant disruption and challenges so we have created the Community Pulse to be a constant line of communication between Sported and our members. It creates an opportunity for them to feedback to us as and when they want or need to.

 

It captures information on the stresses and strains on their community groups including operational challenges, risk of closure, wellbeing of group leaders and the impact on people within their community. It also provides an opportunity for members to tell us what support would be most beneficial to them at this time.

 

We are using this information to improve our own response as well as feeding back to strategic partners to make sure our members’ voices are represented.

 

The survey went live on Thursday 19 March 2020 and to date (10th June), we’ve had over 800 responses from Sported members.

The latest summary report from the survey responses can be viewed here.

 

Sported members who would like to share their views can complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Community-Pulse

 

If you would like to discuss how you might be able to support Sported and our members at this time, please get in touch by email: info@sported.org.uk or by phone  0203 848 4670.

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Tackling childhood obesity

Tackling childhood obesity

By Rose Chilton Sported Insight Manager |  10th March 2020

Public Health England (PHE) has just published the latest statistics about the prevalence of childhood obesity.  Shockingly, 1 in 5 children in Year 6 are obese. PHE found levels of overweight and obese children are substantially higher in certain demographics; 

 

• Deprivation

 Among Year 6 children, severe obesity prevalence in the 10% most deprived areas in England is more than 4 times the prevalence in the least deprived 10%.

• Ethnicity

 Among Year 6 children, severe obesity prevalence is highest among children from Black and Mixed ethnic groups. 

Similar trends in childhood obesity are seen across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland too.  

Sported have 1,144 members across the UK working to address Health and Wellbeing. 

What trends do we see in Sported members?  

• Deprivation

Sported’s members addressing Health and Wellbeing are disproportionately based in more deprived areas. 18% of our members are located in the most deprived 10% of areas in the UK; 32% in the most deprived 20% areas. 

• Ethnicity

11% of Sported members specifically target BAME participants. For a typical Sported member, approximately 18% of participants are from BAME backgrounds. This is over representative than the BAME population typically reported across the UK population (14-15%.) 

What our members say: 

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“We particularly target ethnic-minority groups. Many of our users are very overweight and face barriers accessing mainstream-sports activities due to disabilities and cultural-needs.” 

– Multisport charity, London

“We help our local district council meet national targets for health, for example childhood obesity by providing sessions specifically for young people.” 

– Boxing club, Yorkshire and Humber 

“The past 4 1/2 years we have worked in the conurbations of Sandwell and Birmingham in some of their most deprived areas.” 

– Multisports CIC, West Midlands 

These are just some examples of how our members are working to address childhood obesity within their communities. Overall, there are 1,144 Sported members’ across the UK who are focused on improving Health and Wellbeing. Between them they are using approximately 80 different sports and activities to reach over 779,900 young people.  

Sported relies on the support of our volunteers, partners and donors to provide our services freely to member groups across the UK. If you’d like to talk to us about how you or your organisation can help us, please do get in via info@sported.org.uk / 0203 848 4670. 

Or find out more about how you can get involved.

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Sported launch 2020-21 Strategy

Sported launch new strategy

Sported launch 2020-21 Strategy

By Sported |  17th February 2020

This year will mark the 12th anniversary of Sported. Over those 12 years we’ve seen real progress in the acceptance of the transformative power of sport, but there are increasing challenges facing by young people and communities:

 

– Poverty – 4.1 million children now live in poverty, and life expectancy between the richest and poorest is widening.

– Crime – Police-recorded knife crime has risen 57% between 2013 and 2018.

– Health – Obesity has almost doubled in 20 years with 28% of children aged 2 to 15 overweight or obese. 1 in 10 children now have a mental health diagnosis and 1 in 4 an undiagnosed mental health issue.

– Social Trust – Only 45% of people trust many of the people in their neighbourhood

 

Underrepresented groups face huge levels of inequality:

 

– Just 40% of disabled people feel they are given the opportunity to be as active as they would like to be

– Only 10% of girls 13-16 meet the recommended Chief Medical Officers activity levels

– 40% of BAME participants say they have endured negative experiences in sport and physical activity settings

 

Youth provision and facilities are being decimated across the UK.

 

Over the last 10 years, 750 youth centres and more than 4,500 youth workers have been lost  and spending on youth services in England and Wales has been cut by 70% in real terms.

 

The majority of community sport groups in the UK are under-funded and under-resourced; often run on shoestring budgets by only a handful of dedicated staff and volunteers. 54% of people are concerned that their community sports club would struggle to stay running over the long-term without support from external organisations.

 

An analysis of Sported’s members highlights why community sports groups are so vulnerable:

 

– 53% are entirely run by volunteers

– 24% have an annual income of less than £5,000

– 45% are based in the 30% most deprived communities in the UK

 

Typically community groups are richer in non-financial resources than financial ones. When members join Sported, by far the main areas in which they request help are finance and business planning.  49% report funding as their biggest barrier to sustainability.

 

Despite the challenges, Sported members continue to provide opportunities for  young people in their communities; making a real difference to their lives. We estimate that our members are reaching and engaging around 480,000 young people across the UK.

 

Why are they so effective?

 

– Community groups and their staff and volunteers are trusted by young people and local residents

– They’re plugged into local support networks such as schools, Police, faith organisations and other community groups

– Staff and volunteers have a deep understanding of the social challenges young people face

– They offer holistic support

 

Sported’s role, with the support of our amazing professional volunteer team, is to strengthen groups’ effectiveness and sustainability so they can continue to deliver great work within their communities. Our founding vision remains; to improve the lives of people facing disadvantage and inequality, and our new strategy will continue helping community groups survive, to help young people thrive.

 

The strategy will run from April 2020 until March 2021 and intends to serve our community groups through fully funded projects, to reach, include and inspire individuals through the sustainable local provision of sport. We will prioritise serving our members, collaborating with others, and prospering as a charity. We will do so by focusing on our dedicated people (both staff and volunteers), our data-driven insight, and delivering optimal performance.

 

Check out Sported’s 2020-21 Strategy

 

Sported sign open letter to encourage daily exercise post lockdown

  This year will mark the 12th anniversary of Sported.   Over those 12 years we’ve seen real progress in the acceptance of the transformative power of sport, but there are increasing challenges facing by young people and communities:   – Poverty – 4.1 million children now live in poverty, and life expectancy between the richest and poorest is widening. – Crime – Police-recorded knife crime has risen 57% between 2013 and 2018. – Health – Obesity has almost doubled in 20 years with 28% of children aged 2 to 15 overweight or obese. 1 in 10 children now have a mental health diagnosis and 1 in 4 an undiagnosed mental health issue. – Social Trust – Only 45% of people trust many of the people in their neighbourhood   Underrepresented groups face huge levels of inequality:   – Just 40% of disabled people feel they are given the opportunity to be as active as they would like to be – Only 10% of girls 13-16 meet the recommended Chief Medical Officers activity levels – 40% of BAME participants say they have endured negative experiences in sport and physical activity settings   Youth provision and facilities are being decimated across the UK.   Over the last 10 years, 750 youth centres and more than 4,500 youth workers have been lost  and spending on youth services in England and Wales has been cut by 70% in real terms.   The majority of community sport groups in the UK are under-funded and under-resourced; often run on shoestring budgets by only a handful of dedicated staff and volunteers. 54% of people are concerned that their community sports club would struggle to stay running over the long-term without support from external organisations.   An analysis of Sported’s members highlights why community sports groups are so vulnerable:   – 53% are entirely run by volunteers – 24% have an annual income of less than £5,000 – 45% are based in the 30% most deprived communities in the UK   Typically community groups are richer in non-financial resources than financial ones. When members join Sported, by far the main areas in which they request help are finance and business planning.  49% report funding as their biggest barrier to sustainability.   Despite the challenges, Sported members continue to provide opportunities for  young people in their communities; making a real difference to their lives. We estimate that our members are reaching and engaging around 480,000 young people across the UK.   Why are they so effective?   – Community groups and their staff and volunteers are trusted by young people and local residents – They’re plugged into local support networks such as schools, Police, faith organisations and other community groups – Staff and volunteers have a deep understanding of the social challenges young people face – They offer holistic support   Sported’s role, with the support of our amazing professional volunteer team, is to strengthen groups’ effectiveness and sustainability so they can continue to deliver great work within their communities. Our founding vision remains; to improve the lives of people facing disadvantage and inequality, and our new strategy will continue helping community groups survive, to help young people thrive.   The strategy will run from April 2020 until March 2021 and intends to serve our community groups through fully funded projects, to reach, include and inspire individuals through the sustainable local provision of sport. We will prioritise serving our members, collaborating with others, and prospering as a charity. We will do so by focusing on our dedicated people (both staff and volunteers), our data-driven insight, and delivering optimal performance.   Check out Sported’s 2020-21 Strategy  

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Nike partners with Sported to empower the next generation of BAME leaders in London

Nike partners with Sported to empower the next generation of BAME leaders in London

By Sported |  10th October 2019

 

Nike has announced a new partnership with Sport for Social Change charity Sported, as part of its celebration of UK Black History Month. The partnership will see the launch of an exciting new programme designed to support, empower and enable the next generation of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) young leaders in London.

 

12 inspirational young BAME Londoners (aged 16-30), who are currently involved in grassroots sport groups in the capital, will be selected to benefit from a 12-month package of support, mentoring and personal development opportunities to develop and launch their own sport for change project in their community.

 

Nominations will be open to the general public. Young people interested in being part of the programme are invited to submit their personal nomination via Sported’s website – www.sported.org.uk . Applications open on Tuesday 15th October 2019 and close at 5pm Thursday 31st October 2019.

 

Tom Burstow, Deputy CEO at Sported, said: 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Nike to launch this exciting new programme that celebrates and nurtures the talents of young, BAME Londoners. Nike has long championed the power of sport to advance equality in communities, so fits perfectly with Sported’s own work creating opportunities for under-represented groups. If you’re young BAME person living in London and have a brilliant idea on how you can harness the power of sport to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in your local community, we want you!”

– Tom Burstow, Deputy CEO at Sported

Throughout UK Black History Month and beyond, Nike will be celebrating the collective achievements of black British athletes and their contribution to sport. To learn more about Nike’s global commitment to levelling the playing field, please visit: https://purpose.nike.com/standing-up-for-equality

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Sported celebrates 10 years!

Sported team celebrates 10 years2018 marks a special year for Sported as we celebrate our tenth anniversary,  having been incorporated as a charity back on 20th March 2008.

 

What started as Sir Keith Mills’ vision – as then Deputy Chair of LOCOG – to provide a life-line to the thousands of community sport groups which play a pivotal role in the lives of young people, has since grown into the largest membership organisation for Sport for Development groups in the UK.

 

Our membership network now spans over 3,000 community sport and youth groups across all regions of the UK, delivering over 90 different sports, and tackling issues as diverse as homelessness and knife crime, to employability and mental health.

 

In our ten years, we’ve awarded over £3 million in grants to our members, and with the support of our brilliant volunteers  have helped them to leverage and secure even more via external funding; launched Sportworks – our pioneering research and impact measurement tool; and built partnerships with leading organisations in both the sport and commercial sector – all for the benefit of our members.

 

Whilst we are enormously proud of what we’ve achieved, we know that our members still face huge financial and operational challenges, and the young people they serve in the poorest areas of the UK still bear the brunt of social inequalities. We know sport has an important role to play and we remain determined to help our members harness its power to transform the lives of young people and their local communities.

 

Over the course of 2018 we will be celebrating our tenth anniversary with member and volunteer events across all our nations and regions, so please keep an eye on your emails and our social channels for all the details.

 

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Sported over the last ten years, without which our work would simply not be possible. Thank you!

 

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Sport Relief partners with Sported to get people moving

Sport Relief is back! And this year we’re delighted to announce that Sported will be helping to make it the biggest, boldest and best event ever.

 

From the 17th to 23rd March 2018, the nation will be coming together for a week of epic activity to get people active, raise money and help change lives here in the UK and across the world.

 

Whatever moves you and your group, do it for Sport ReliefAs part of the celebrations, Sport Relief has partnered with Sported to help youth groups plan their own fundraising activities. The charities have teamed up to create a youth group fundraising pack, chock-full of tips and suggestions to get them started.

 

Sported will be promoting the Sport Relief fundraising packs to its membership network of over 3,000 community groups across the UK. So whether it’s organising a five-a-side tournament, dance-athon or classic Sports Day, Sported is challenging its members to showcase their skills by putting on an event to raise money and bring the local community together.

 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR FREE YOUTH GROUP SPORT RELIEF FUNDRAISING PACK!

 

Kathryn Berry, Head of Member Services at Sported, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Sport Relief 2018. Sported’s members are the experts when it comes to getting young people moving and using sport to bring local communities together. That’s why we are asking for their support to make Sport Relief 2018 the biggest, most exciting and inclusive fundraising event ever!”

 

Sport Relief brings the nation together to get active, raise money and change lives. Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £335 million. The money raised by the public will be spent by Comic Relief to tackle the critical issues affecting people across the UK and the world. This year, Sport Relief culminates in a week of activity from Saturday 17th to Friday 23rd March, leading to an unmissable night of TV on the BBC.

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TSB launch new partnership with Sported

TSB launch new partnership with Sported to help local community sport groups.

 

 

More than half of people who attend local community sport groups are concerned their group will shut down.

 

 

A quarter of people say their local community sport group has already had to close.

 

New research from TSB reveals that more than half (54%) of people who are a member of a local community sport group are concerned that their group will struggle to stay running without professional support from external organisations.

 

The research highlights that these groups are heavily reliant on volunteers and a significant number of members are worried about the ability of groups to continue running in the future.  And it’s no wonder, with a quarter of people (25%) having already seen a local community sport group forced to close.

 

Many of these community groups are run on shoestring budgets by only a handful of volunteers.  Almost three quarters (71%) of people say that the leaders of their community sports group run the group in their spare time; yet 61% of people are concerned about the lack of volunteers able to dedicate time to running the group.

 

So why does this matter?

The power of sport in the UK extends far beyond getting active.  Sport plays a vital role in bringing communities up and down the country together – and fulfilling the potential of young people.

 

85% of sport groups exist in urban areas – and 44% are in the bottom 30% of the most deprived areas of the UK1.

 

TSB’s research shows that:

• 82% of parents believe community sport groups are important for their children’s personal development.

 

• More than three quarters (77%) of people feel that community sport is an important part of their social life and helps to maintain their happiness.

 

• Two thirds (68%) of people believe community sport helps with community cohesion.

 

• 68% of people say community sport is vital in helping to transform the lives of young people.

 

• 69% of people say that their local sports group has helped them to meet people from a different background that they wouldn’t have otherwise met.

 

• 65% of people believe community sport is important in helping reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

Safeguarding the future of community sports groups

TSB has an absolute belief that banks should be there to serve the local communities they’re part of – not the other way round.   That’s why Britain’s challenger bank has today announced a new partnership with leading Sport for Development charity, Sported – to support local community sport groups right across the country to continue to be vibrant and accessible.

 

With the help of Sported, TSB branches will partner with local community sport groups to provide professional skills-based support in the key operational areas needed to keep the group running.  Expertise such as budgeting, marketing, social media or PR, for example.

 

TSB believes this partnership can create a step-change in the way local groups are run – and ultimately ensure that the young people who could benefit most from Sport for Development programmes can continue to access their vital support.  The partnership will kick off in four pilot regions:  North East Scotland, South Midlands, Thames Valley & South Coast, and Greater Manchester.

 

Paul Pester, Chief Executive Officer of TSB says:  “For many, local sports groups are the hub of community life and the people who run them and support them all share the same values.  Sport has a transformational power that enables people to thrive – it teaches teamwork and problem-solving skills and it builds a sense of infectious pride that spreads to teammates, families and the local community.

 

“At TSB we are all about working in partnership with local communities and that’s why we’ve partnered with Sported – to enable local communities to thrive through the power of sport.  It’s all about local people helping local people, and our TSB partners are really looking forward to working with sport groups right across the country – to help them continue to make a real difference to the lives of young people in their local community.”

 

Chris Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Sported, comments:  “Sported’s members hold a special place in communities.  The groups collectively shape and inspire the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people around the UK, and create a unique sense of unity and community spirit – all through the power of sport.

 

“TSB is passionate about celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things, so we’re thrilled to be launching this exciting new partnership.  It brings together Sported’s network and experience in Sport for Development with the expertise and enthusiasm of TSB staff to help these vital community assets survive and thrive.”

 

-ends-

Media contact details:

Emily Kerr | emily.kerr@tsb.co.uk | T: 020 7003 9491 | M: 07766 504477

 

TSB Media Relations

T: 020 7003 9369 | media@tsb.co.uk

Follow us on twitter: @TSB_News

http://www.tsb.co.uk/media

 

Notes to editors:

• TSB’s research was conducted in January 2018 by One Poll surveying 1,000 UK adults who are a member of, or are regularly involved with community sport.

•1 Data from Sported’s membership database.

 

About TSB

 

TSB launched back onto high streets on 9 September 2013.

 

TSB was built to bring more competition to UK banking and ultimately make banking better for all UK consumers.  TSB only serves local customers and local businesses, to help fuel local economies, because communities thriving across Britain is a good thing for all of us.

 

We have a simple, straightforward and transparent banking model and make clear on our website how we operate and make money.  We offer the products and services people tell us they want, with none of the funny stuff people normally associate with traditional banks.

 

Our five million customers appear to notice: TSB is Britain’s most recommended high street bank and was identified as one of the top 10 big companies to work for in 2017.

 

For further information about TSB Bank plc, please visit our website www.tsb.co.uk.

 

About Sported

 

Sported is a charity and free membership organisation, supporting over 3,000 community sport groups and youth groups across the UK that deliver Sport for Development.  These amazing groups use the power of sport to tackle the root causes of some of society’s biggest problems, such as crime, anti-social behaviour and obesity.  More than that, they are giving disadvantaged young people the opportunities, confidence and support to overcome their personal hurdles and succeed in life.

 

Sported supports the inspirational local heroes that run these organisations by providing free business and financial support so that they can become bigger, more sustainable and more effective. The charity’s network of volunteer business mentors works with its members on a one-to-one basis, providing expert consultancy on business issues ranging from financial planning and fundraising to marketing and governance.

 

Registered charity numbers: 1123313 / SCO43161

 

For further information about Sported, please visit its website www.sported.org.uk.

 

 

 

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Sporteducate improves the employability of over 2,000 disadvantaged young people in London

• More young people enjoy learning (increasing from 61 to 81%)

• More young people are performing at a ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ level at school (increasing from 70 to 87%)

• 57% of young people report improved behaviour at school

• More young people think a future career is important (increasing from 78 to 94%)

 

A three-and-a-half year intensive programme that used sport to engage disadvantaged young people in educational activities outside of the classroom, is celebrating its conclusion with the news that over 2,000 young people across London have benefitted since it launched in May 2013.

 

Sporteducate was developed to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds (aged 10-18) acquire the skills and aspirations required to find employment after education.

 

The programme combined different sporting activities with regular supplementary Maths, English and language classes, homework clubs, IT teaching, employability support, job skills sessions and personal mentoring from Deutsche Bank volunteers.

 

One of the key success factors of sporteducate was that all educational activities were designed and delivered by local community sports clubs. Drawing on the intimate local knowledge, personal networks and trusted relationships of their staff and volunteers to break down barriers to learning and re-engage young people in their education, both inside and outside of school.

 

Sporteducate was run by leading sports charity Sported in partnership with Deutsche Bank’s Born to Be youth engagement programme – an initiative that aims to break the cycle of youth unemployment through early intervention, focusing on education-led initiatives.

 

SPORTEDUCATE’S IMPACT

• Sporteducate had a dramatic impact on young people’s attitudes, educational performance and personal development. The number of young people performing at a ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ level at school increased significantly, from 70% pre-programme to 87% after three years on the programme.

 

• The programme’s model of combining sport and education made a huge difference to young people’s enjoyment of learning, increasing from 61% to 81% after three years. The positive effect on attitudes also saw corresponding improvements in participants’ school attendance, punctuality and completing homework on time.

 

• The complementary role of sport in developing non-cognitive skills is also evident in the programme’s results. After three years, 96% of participants agreed that it helped build their confidence; verbal and written communication improved; and more young people felt comfortable working as part of a team.

 

• Finally, since taking part in the sporteducate programme more young people envisage themselves going to college or university, and more would also like to be in a full-time job in the next three years.

 

Nicole Lovett, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility UK at Deutsche Bank, said: “We are delighted with the results of sporteducate. We have always held a firm belief in helping young people unlock and fulfil their potential, and creating a level playing field on opportunity. The work that community sports clubs do every day with vulnerable young people, to ensure no one gets left behind, is testament to the success of the programme. We would like to thank our partner Sported and all the hard work of everyone involved, particularly the young people who took part.”

 

Chris Grant, Chief Executive at Sported, said: “Sporteducate’s results prove how powerful sport and community groups can be in transforming young lives when given the right support and resources. Tackling educational inequality shouldn’t stop at the school-gates, it requires a holistic and creative approach in order to reach and engage those who could benefit most.”

 

He adds: “There has been a significant investment from Deutsche Bank and we would like to thank them for their commitment and support, including all their volunteers for making the programme such a great success. Their vision and conviction to make a difference will have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of young people for years to come.”

 

Dominic (11), participant on sporteducate: “I come here to improve my Maths and English, and prepare for my SATS.  Lessons at school have lots of people, so it’s hard to get help, but here it’s a small group. The teacher is great – she answers my questions and helps with my work.”

 

The results are based on the comparison of 878 pre-programme surveys and 718 post-programme surveys, completed by young people between March 2014 and May 2017. The report was produced by EdComs.

 

Sporteducate will continue to help young people fulfil their potential after the programme’s end, with learning and insight developed over the three-and-a-half years distilled into a new toolkit to help other communities groups launch and run their own Sport for Development programmes.

 

SPORTEDUCATE – KEY STATISTICS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 33 community sport clubs in London benefitted from funding, training and volunteer support from Sported and Deutsche Bank to run education and employability activities alongside their core sports offering.

• 2,103 young people (aged 10-18) in London engaged over the course of sporteducate’s 3.5 year duration.

• 130,673 hours of education, employability and sport sessions delivered.

• 2,065 hours of time volunteered by 325 Deutsche Bank employees

 

– END –

 


DOWNLOAD THE REPORT:

Click on the link to download documentTo download a copy of the full Sporteducate Programme Evaluation Report, please click HERE.

 

IMAGES (high-res versions available on request):

  • Sporteducate image 1, click HERE to download.
  • Sporteducate image 2, click HERE to download.

 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Matt Shaw, Media & External Affairs Manager at Sported, on 07775 601956 or m.shaw@sported.org.uk.

 

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Sported and Women in Sport unite to transform the lives of vulnerable girls and young women

Sported and Women in Sport have come together to launch a new Sport for Change programme to help girls in the most deprived areas of the UK to fulfil their potential by opening up access to sport.

 

The programme is funded by Comic Relief as part of its ‘Levelling the Field’ initiative.

 

Research[1] shows that living in a deprived community can have a negative impact on girls’ aspirations – including their educational choices, career pathways and participation in sport or physical activity. Gender stereotypes are particularly entrenched when it comes to sport. Only 43% of girls say they have the same choice as boys at school in sport and exercise; and amongst secondary school-age children, being ‘sporty’ is still widely seen as a masculine trait[2].

 

The joint programme seeks to address this problem by helping community sport groups in deprived areas of Scotland, South West England and the West Midlands to tackle gender stereotypes by improving the sport offering for girls and women and better meeting their needs.

 

The community groups will benefit from expert workshops, gaining insights from Women in Sport’s research into the values and motivations that guide girls’ decision making, and how to apply these to the design, delivery and marketing of tailored sports activities. Each group will be supported by Sported volunteer mentors and regional managers for six months to embed the insights from the training and develop a business plan with a focus on girls’ engagement and inclusion.

 

Additionally, nine girls from across the project will be identified as peer influencers. The girls will be coached and supported by Women in Sport to encourage their female peers to participate in sport and expand their aspirations.

 

Chris Grant, Chief Executive at Sported, said: “Sport and activity could play a far greater role in helping girls from deprived communities overcome the barriers they face. With Comic Relief’s funding and Women in Sport’s knowhow, we will help our members create new opportunities for girls to reap the benefits of tailored sporting activities that are uniquely engaging, appealing and accessible.”

 

Ruth Holdaway, Chief Executive at Women in Sport, said: “Our research tells us that playing sport has wide ranging benefits from building confidence to enhancing career prospects and improving health and wellbeing. Women in Sport campaigns for gender equality in every aspect of sport; from the field of play to the board room. We’re excited about the potential of this programme to transform the lives of vulnerable girls and young women across the UK and to open up sport to a group who are currently hugely under-represented. We are very grateful to Comic Relief for the opportunity this grant gives us to deepen and broaden our work with Sported. By combining forces, together we will harness the power of sport to build a fairer society.”

 

 

 

 

 

[1] The State of Girls’ Rights in the UK (2016). Plan International UK

[2] Changing the Game for Girls (2012). Women in Sport

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Sported win Sport NI funding to expand work in Northern Ireland

Sported is delighted to announce that it has been awarded funding from Sport Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities to get more young women and girls physically active and playing sport in Northern Ireland.

 

The funding is part of Sport Northern Ireland’s ‘Active Fit and Sporty’ project, and will support the expansion and continued delivery of Sported’s Engage-HER programme in partnership with Women in Sport, following a successful five-month pilot.

 

As part of Engage-HER, community sport groups benefit from insight, training and Sported volunteer support to improve their engagement with women and girls, and create more tailored participation opportunities.

 

The extension to the programme will see Sported staff, volunteers and selected partners trained to deliver Women in Sport’s insight workshops, in order that the charity’s expert knowledge can be disseminated to community groups across Northern Ireland.

 

Ten further community sport groups and two sporting National Governing Bodies (NGBs) will benefit from Engage-HER. Each will receive training on how to effectively attract and retain women and girls in sport and activity, plus volunteer support from Sported to develop and implement a women and girls engagement plan.

 

Sported members from the original pilot will also receive further support to deepen their understanding of the topic.

 

Brenda Kelly, Northern Ireland Manager at Sported, said: “Following the successful pilot of Engage-HER with Women in Sport, it’s fantastic that Sport NI and the Department for Communities have awarded us funding to continue the programme. This unique package of support will help our members break down barriers to participation and get more young women and girls benefitting from the life-enhancing effects of sport.”

 

George Lucas, Sport Northern Ireland Chair added: “Sport NI is delighted to continue supporting and collaborating with Sported as part of our ‘Active Fit and Sporty Project’, together with the Department for Communities and our other partners. We share their commitment to helping women and girls across Northern Ireland enjoy, engage and excel in sport through the delivery of quality sporting experiences, and look forward to seeing the continued impact of the ‘Engage-HER’ programme.”

 

Heather Smith, Innovation Manager at Women in Sport, said: “We are delighted that further funding has been given to the Engage-HER project. Through the pilot we saw the positive changes that organisations were able to make to the way they worked with women and girls as a result of the support provided. To be able to share Women in Sports insights with those involved in giving opportunities to women and girls in Northern Ireland is very exciting and we can’t wait to get started!”