Sports Legacy Aims
Increased Participation
The project addresses two major barriers to participation in physical activities in former coalfield communities. The first is that of cost. For many low-income households, spending any amount on a sports session is a low priority.
Therefore, Sports Legacy sessions are free in the first instance and only introduce a charge
that can be afforded by the local community. The second is a lack of transport. Former coalfield communities are often isolated with poor public transport links and low car ownership per household. Sports Legacy sessions, therefore, take place at the most suitable facility in the community itself.
Increased Community Coaching Capacity
The key to the success of the project is the recruiting and development of local volunteers. In this way communities take ownership of the delivery, rather than viewing it as a provision. Each new volunteer will have support.
Volunteers are assigned a mentor to help their progression through the coaching levels, gaining qualifications, designing and delivering session plans. The emphasis is very much on the local volunteer to plan and deliver the session, with outside assistance, rather than assisting a coach who has been ‘bought in’ to deliver, but has no real stake in the community.
After a level of experience and training has been achieved, advice on how to set up in business, freelance or get paid employment will be provided to the volunteer. The expectation is that free provision should be continued in their local community.
Sustainable programmes
Sports Legacy is not just about creating opportunities to participate in community sport or volunteering, it’s also about providing the infrastructure to support fledgling groups to take root, grow, become self supporting and be able to sustain themselves.
There may be opportunities to apply for CRT grants and other fundraising support will be accessible to the groups through our Sports Development team and partnership network.
Increase community cohesion and citizenship
CRT help local groups set up and run localised events throughout the year, bringing people together in sporting celebration. In addition these community sporting activities are part of a wider network and groups are invited to come together for a The Coalfields Junior Sports Celebration once a year, hosted by CRT.
Events are a way for children, parents, youth groups, sports clubs and local stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the community.