Sported and the SFA have been working together since 2019 with the goal of helping to build the capacity of community football clubs in the bottom 20 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland, creating greater sustainability amongst this network of SFA development clubs.
The process followed saw:
- SFA identify relevant club/s within their network.
- Sported conduct initial survey to ascertain specific needs.
- Sported/SFA agree route for support of those needs (being either TeamWorks or Sported Volunteers)
- Club supported through capacity building element.
- Club encouraged to complete original survey to measure ‘distance travelled’ in key areas.
Working closely with the SFA, TeamWorks mentors and Sported volunteers, the project was able to deliver a positive experience to groups involved.
This approach can be incredibly powerful. It is clear that clubs at the very least find the process of understanding and recognising their shortfalls (and strengths) helpful.
Many are able to use that to target tangible improvements that support the resilience and development of their organisation.