Suffolk Sport, the County Sports Partnership (CSP), is currently engaging with a new national programme called Extending Activity, which is aimed at increasing sporting opportunities available to children & young people classed as “semi sporty”.

We are seeking to engage with semi sporty young people i.e. those who are currently accessing one hour of sport or physical activity (which can include youth clubs or uniformed groups) outside of curriculum time. The initiative will strive to provide these young people with new opportunities & thus offer them an additional 2 hours of participation in sport each week.

In order to be in a position to roll out activity associated with this new workstrand, Suffolk Sport is working closely with a range of partners including School Sport Partnerships, Local Authorities & Community Clubs & Youth Groups. We are collectively looking to find providers who are willing to arrange introductory courses of 8 – 10 weeks, 1 – 2 hours in duration, during term time. Activities must look to attract the semi sporty youngsters – particularly those in the 11 – 16 age range and not be too competitive in their outlook. Research has demonstrated that children in the semi sporty category would be more likely to engage with programmes that they could come to with their friends – so a group attendance approach is encouraged. Delivery can commence in September 08, but plans need to be submitted as soon as possible.

Funding is available to cover a variety of aspects of project delivery, including venue hire, coaching & volunteer costs and to a limited extent, equipment hire. Suffolk’s county wide survey indicated that certain activities are of particular interest to the semi sporty population & some of these included Archery, Trampolining, Horse Riding, BMX, Cheerleeding, Dance, Fencing, Golf, Table Tennis & Yoga. Although there were other attractive sports, applications from groups wishing to promote these activities would be particularly welcome.

If you think you may be interested in getting involved in promoting activities to the semi sporty children in Suffolk, please get in touch with Tracy Brownlow at Suffolk Sport: tracybrownlow@btconnect.com
Tel: 01379 677307 07901 857732