What we do
Sported is a charity which delivers expertise, resources and vital support to clubs and groups that use sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on young people – and on our communities – throughout the UK.
0
%
of groups are led entirely by volunteers
0
%
have an annual income
of less than £10k
0
%
are located in the 30% most deprived areas of the UK
(Data accurate as of March 2023)
We are here to help them to address these challenges through the provision of services and projects that build the skills and confidence of the group leaders - and strengthen their organisation for the future.
Tailored, free support
Sported’s delivery team know grassroots sport. They understand its ability to change the lives of young people and make a real difference in our communities.
But also the daily challenges that groups and their leaders face while being under-funded and under-resources – and the support that they desperately need.
Dealing with the day-to-day operational admin of facilities, timetables, staff and volunteers is just the start. There’s business planning and financial management. Generating income to remain sustainable. And marketing what they’re good at.
Then making sure there’s good governance in place. An ability to measure impact. And taking care of the environment.
That’s where we can help.
With practical insights and a knowledge of best practice, Sported work closely with clubs and their people to put together a bespoke package of support – at NO cost – that ensures they are in good organisational health today – and in the long-term.
Our online Hub has a wide range of updated information, webinars and guides on a variety of essential topics – as well as a bulletin of fundraising opportunities.
We will also steer groups to other service providers that can inject specialist expertise or funding – and connect them with others to trade ideas.
While we also have our own experts ready to share their expertise to get particular projects from kick-off to the final whistle while building the skills and confidence of those they work with.
All so these incredible groups can help more young people can get the opportunities they serve and can overcome barriers to reach their full potential.
Reach
- We work with grassroots groups whose often miss out on support from agencies and governing bodies.
- Our groups work with young people who are typically “hard to reach”.
- Based in communities across all of the UK, many of these clubs and organisations are based in areas of deprivation.
Include
- We work with expert partners to collaborate on projects to help create equity
- Our groups work with young people in under-represented groups.
- We deliver specific programmes to enable and support groups focusing on women and girls, disability sport, the LGBT community and ethnic minorities.
Empower
- We provide services and projects to build skills and confidence in local group leaders.
- Our groups provide opportunities that empower young people.
- We target projects and support to those from marginalised groups in order to empower them to drive change.
"Without the help of Sported and Ravi we would have struggled to deliver this project and lots of people would not be able to access this opportunity."
– Sported member
Our UK-wide services and benefits
We offer a range of services and benefits, designed to address the different needs that our groups may have.
The most popular are:
One-to-one support
on a long or short-term basis from our team of professional volunteers
Sported Hub
access to our online platform full of resources/ how to guides to help groups with topics such as fundraising, impact practice and business planning.
Regular Webinars
and workshops on topics such as fundraising, business planning, legal structures and marketing
Monthly funding bulletins
and newsletters with information and services specifically tailored to organisations like them
Grant distributions
to our network on behalf of our partners
"Our mentor from Sported helped us to navigate our ideas, giving us the support we needed to push the boundaries of our organisation."
– Sported member
Where we are
Not all young people have the same start in life and we know that community sport and physical activity can help them overcome barriers and fulfil their potential.
Sported is the largest network of community sport groups in the UK and pride ourselves on our personal touch and local knowledge.
Read about the work we are doing in each of the nations.
Case Studies: Supported by Sported
Learn morePartners and Projects
Sported’s partnerships and projects are essential to enable us to support our network. We are very proud to work in partnership with fantastic organisations and funders. We are always looking to have new conversations and explore ideas for future projects.