Sports Councils

Sports Councils – A springboard for achievement!

If you’re interested in sports and are looking for volunteering opportunities, why not think about joining your local sports council?

Often giving a jumpstart to national and international achievement, local sports clubs focus on helping to provide and develop opportunities for people who want try out and hone their skills.

Sports councils can step in and assist local clubs with things like applying for grants or getting advice on new regulations, guidance on funding sources or the planning implications for extending a clubhouse, or simply increasing a club’s network of contacts.

Who’s involved, and what they do?

Sports councils are made up of people who are either directly involved with sport or have links with sports administration, local government or governing bodies. The wide spectrum of experience and skills combine to make sports councils an ideal resource for local clubs to tap into.
Examples include:

• Workshops - a large number of delegates came along to last year’s seminars on developer contributions and external funding to hear the latest information, and to learn about examples of best practice across East Hampshire
  
• Finance - sports councils may have funds to help someone finance their sporting career. Alton Sports Council has aided two Boccia sport Paralympian Champions based at Treloars College
  
• Recognition – setting up an annual award ceremony or sports personality of the year award to recognize excellence in performance
  
• Information – keeping clubs up to date on important issues such as the new funding streams from Sport England and other national and regional organisations

Want to help out?

Sports councils rely on good support from local volunteers, and representatives from East Hampshire’s clubs, schools and sports facilities are all welcome. Alton already has a thriving sports council, while another is being developed in Whitehill Bordon – there is also potential for new sports councils in Petersfield and Horndean.

If you are interested in contributing to local community sports clubs and associations - particularly in the Petersfield and Horndean areas - please contact Kirsty Cope, community project worker (sport and play) on 01730 234396, or email kirsty.cope@easthants.gov.uk

East Hampshire currently has two active sports councils in the district which are support bodies to the sports clubs. They give small grants, support training opportunities, hold Sport Achievement Awards and act as a voice for the sports clubs.

Alton and District Sports Council

Contact – Mr Tony Rudgard on 01428 722720 or email member@rudgardt.freeserve.co.uk

Alton Sports Council provides small grants of up to £100 to support local clubs and coaches.

Alton Sports Council holds meetings throughout the year for local clubs and coaches.

Bordon Sports Council

Contact – Mr N Welch on 01428 751816 or email nigelw@counsel-ms.co.uk

Bordon Sports Council provides small grants of up to £100 to support local sports clubs and coaches.

Attachments: Agenda's/Minutes