This week marks the start of a significant transformation in how the sector engages with, supports and develops the existing and future sport and physical activity workforce. The Coaching Plan for England and new Volunteering Strategy highlights the power of sport to achieve wider social outcomes including physical and mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development, and economic development.
The Coaching Plan for England was launched on the 29th November and aims to unleash the power of coaching for all of those people taking their first steps to becoming more physically active. The plan outlines five strategic approaches, associated tactics and success factors needed to revolutionalise the culture, accessibility and perception of coaching.
Lee Mason, CEO for the CSP Network commented:
“We are extremely supportive of the Coaching Plan for England and welcome the new, broader definition of coaching which we feel is more reflective of the needs of the sector. The CSP Network are fully committed to driving transformational change in the way in which coaches are recruited, developed and deployed to enable them to reach a wider audience and support more people to reach their goals”
As ¾ of coaches are volunteers, the new Sport England Volunteering Strategy strongly complements the approach and aspirations laid out in the Coaching Plan for England. For the first time, the dual benefit of volunteering to both the individual and the community is recognised which will transform how the sector works to improve the overall volunteer experience. Over £30 million has been earmarked to activate the Volunteering Strategy over the next eight years with the Opportunities and Potential funds being launched in January 2017. The key focus on investment into volunteering is to diversify and involve a larger proportion of the population in volunteering between 2017-2025 and onwards.
Adrian Ledbury, Head of Operations for the CSP Network commented:
“The CSP Network are passionate about the valuable contribution volunteers bring to community sport – they are the lifeblood of everything we do. It is fantastic to see the spotlight that has now been placed on volunteers and the recognition of the benefits it brings to both the individual and the community in which they are giving their time. We are really excited about the future plans for volunteering outlined in the Volunteering Strategy and we are looking forward to supporting the activation at a local level through our network of 44 CSPs”
For more information on CSP Network's role in coaching and volunteering please contact Charlie Crane ccrane@cspnetwork.org or the visit coach or volunteer pages on the CSP Network website.
For information on local volunteering and coaching development and opportunities please contact your local CSP.
Notes to Editor
County Sports Partnership Network
- The CSP Network represents local County Sports Partnership teams across the
country.
- Collectively, they contribute to the health of the nation by helping local partners,
organisations and deliverers to promote the benefits of active lifestyles across local
communities.