Watford Borough Council. Sports Development Framework

Transcription

1 Watford Borough Council Sports Development Framework

2 Index Our vision... 3 Introduction and background... 3 The case for sport... 5 Watford Borough Council Sports Development - our focus and achievements over the last 2/3 years... 6 Watford Profile : Local Needs Analysis Our priorities Consultation The way forward... 14

3 1.0 Our vision Our vision is to have a town where participation in sport increases for everyone and there is a thriving and vibrant sporting infrastructure. 2.0 Introduction and background This Sports Development Framework has been prepared for Watford Borough Council s contribution to sport locally. It has been informed by the council s key priorities, by what we know of existing and developing national strategies and context, county strategies and local partnerships. The recent local government settlement means that we have big challenges ahead in terms of the resources we have available. This means that we need to be even more focused in our approach to Sports Development, thereby ensuring that we are using our resources effectively. about asking them to improve on their existing offer of further opportunities for people to participate in sport. It is not about investing and/or developing Olympic size venues or about developing excellence: we will leave that to the national governing bodies of sport, who invest heavily in developing key sports. The Framework is therefore deliberately concise, and we have steered away from providing streams of useful but unnecessary background data. Throughout the Framework a common sense approach is applied to what is a reasonable and fair contribution, given the resources available. The simplicity of the document allows for a focus on outcomes and actions and a targeted approach to the use of our resources. We think this is a sensible approach to planning what we do and why. Sport is now too big and complex for any one organisation to address on its own. However, by working collaboratively at a local level, we can help make a difference in our communities. The strength of these partnerships and relationships does rely on everyone being prepared to make a fair contribution. The scope includes the Sports Development Officer at Watford Borough Council, with a small budget, and the vast amount of clubs and partners that form part of the vibrant sporting infrastructure. The Framework is very much about encouraging newcomers and people back into sport overall; increasing participation in sport at a grass roots level; and helping people, partners and sports clubs where we can in a small way, recognising this can make a big difference to them. Where we have big providers of sport in the town it is 3 Watford Borough Council s magazine About Watford, November 2009

4 The Framework recognises the wealth of talent, dedication and commitment of all its sporting clubs; volunteers that already make Watford a great place to live and take part in sport every week. The council is proud of the difference they make to people s lives. Watford Borough Council Sports Development simply cannot be all things to all people. We have limited resources which means we will not be able to do everything we have done in the past. Some of our recommendations to rationalise services are to ensure we provide efficiencies and value for money for local residents. Going forward, we will work hard to successfully deliver on what we promise and provide clarity of purpose when working with others. 3.0 The case for sport It is well documented and proven that sport has a role to play in various aspects of life. It is a tool for stimulating national pride and community spirit; for enhancing economic development; improving the health of the nation; reducing levels of crime; and promoting regeneration. Through its unique characteristics, sport transcends the divisions of our society, using communities and the world alike. Sport has the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope where there was once despair. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination. Sports speaks to people in a language they understand Nelson Mandela c Everyone should have the right to play sport, whether it is for fun; for health; to enjoy the natural environment; or to win. The National Framework for Sport for helping individuals to have that opportunity is based on the following key stages: Foundation means the early development of physical skills and sporting competence Participation means taking part in sports for fun, health and fitness Performance signifies a move from basic competence into a more structured form of competitive sport at club or county level Excellence is about reaching the top, and applies to performers at the highest national level The relevance of this framework is appropriate when looking at the council s Sports Development role and the priority of this framework. It is focused on increasing participation and developing pathways into local clubs. Clearly the council s Sports Development cannot do all of that, but through sport and working with others, we can focus our efforts on enhancing the quality of life, health and well being of the local community. 4

5 4.0 Watford Borough Council Sports Development our focus and achievements over the last 2 to 3 years The Sports Development Framework will build on the good work already undertaken by partners, clubs, voluntary sector agencies, individuals, schools and various partnerships. We recognise that we have over 200 voluntary sports clubs in the town, who work incredibly hard and long hours to provide a wealth of sporting opportunities for everyone. This base already provides a wide range of sporting opportunities for Watford. Herts Youth Games 2010 Watford is a densely populated borough of only 8 square miles: we are blessed with a significant amount of parks and open spaces. These provide a range of facilities, pitches, and opportunities for sport to take place, such as team games, walking, cycling and jogging. There is a range of sports and physical activity on offer for children and adults in Watford, from Gaelic football; hurling; martial arts; trampolining; gymnastics; athletics; bowling; football; cricket; swimming; and much more. The following achievements over the last 2 to 3 years illustrate that Watford has a strong and thriving sports infrastructure. This is not an exhaustive list of what has been achieved but demonstrates the council s previous commitment to developing sport, and our positive intentions going forward. Completion of new build/redevelopment of two leisure facilities: We succeeded in the completion of two new, stateof-the-art leisure centres, where the operator, SLM, won Leisure Operator of the Year in 2010 and has the highest industry quality score in the country. We have also successfully worked with SLM as follows: - increased participation in targeted areas, e.g. women only swimming sessions; - the swim programme reflects pool time for the disabled swimming club, Sealions, and Watford Swimming Club; - a trial free swimming scheme for under 19s over the summer period (2009) was run successfully; - secured funding to train staff at both Woodside and Central Leisure Centres to deliver a GP referral programme. Our achievements have resulted in greater levels of participation in health and fitness and swimming. 5

6 logo, website and promotional literature. We have run a small grant programme (Youth Sport Commissioning) through the CSN which has funded 11 new youth sports projects to the value of 25,000. Investment in the Woodside Athletics track: We have refurbished the athletics stadium by resurfacing the track; widened the pole vault to bring it up to IAAF standard; relocated the triple jump, long jump and pole vault facilities; and improved access for people with disabilities, (and now comply with the Disability Discrimination Act). Develop the quality and quantity of clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers across the borough In Watford, 12 clubs are accredited so far: West Herts CC; Dolphina Gymnastics; Watford Premier Netball; Fullerians RFC; Watford RFC; Gadeside FC; Garston Ladies FC; Cassiobury FC; Sun Postal; Watford Youth FC; Everett Rovers FC; Watford Town Youth FC. As a result of this investment the track attracts regional and national fixtures with elite athletes as well as providing Watford residents with a quality and affordable facility. Sports specific events/programmes: We have successfully delivered events to promote sport and active lifestyles e.g: Everyday Sport; International Bike Week; Everyone Active; Everyone Active Smile Mile. Woodside Stadium Developing the Active Watford Community Sport Network. We have developed a local Community Sport Network (CSN) - Active Watford, which brings together all key stakeholders from across the borough that play a role in sport and physical activity development. The CSN was successful in achieving Community Investment Funding of 26,000 which contributed towards 13 successful local projects. The CSN successfully launched a Sports Forum with over 100 attendees from 30 organisations. We have successfully branded the CSN through developing a Smile mile 2009 We have supported the Herts Youth Games, a sporting event for young people, where the 10 local authorities of Hertfordshire compete in 11 competitive events. The aim is to introduce young people into new sports and link them into sports clubs. Watford engaged around 1,000 young people to take part in pre-games selection and trial events, and entered 15 teams across 12 sports. 6

7 We organised the Watford District Cricket programme over the last 3 years. This engaged 192 boys taking part in pre selection trials, with 62 boys taking part in a winter District Cricket programme. Increase levels of sport/physical activities for specific target groups with low participation levels We delivered activities for women and girls from BME backgrounds e.g. women only swimming sessions; aerobics; badminton; Aqua fit; Bollywood Dance; and provided physical activity sessions at the Asian Carer luncheon groups. We developed a Back to Netball project which is aimed at adults getting back into sports activities offering people the chance to take part in regular, structured physical activity in a fun and sociable environment. We provide a weekly sport session for children with disabilities and their families. We support Watford Sea Lions, a swimming club for people with disabilities. 50+ leaflet Work in partnership to support the health agenda With the Primary Care Trust, we successfully accessed Big Lottery money to deliver a healthy eating and physical activity programme called Fit 4 Fun, to Year 4 pupils in primary schools across Watford. Extra Time Project for 50+ We introduced women s Sport for Fun sessions: this is a weekly multi sport session aimed at getting women to take part in regular, structured physical activity in a fun and sociable environment. We have worked in partnership to develop a range of activities for people aged 45+; including short mat bowls; badminton; table tennis and others, and we have invested in the Watford FC Extra Time Programme for 50+. Secured external funding for the borough We secured 20,000 Barclay Spaces for Sport grant funding for the King George V Multi Use Games Area on the Holywell estate, for a sports development action plan resulting in activities such as multi-sport holiday camps, promoting school club links and youth activities. We secured 25,000 of Live Wire (Sport Unlimited) Government funding. The target is to provide 3 additional hours in the community to those children 8-16 years, classified as Semi Sporty. We have created 22 additional community programmes. We supported Watford Football Club to secure funding for a 3 year national social inclusion project (Positive Futures). This sports programme is for young people from years of age, offering opportunities to engage in employment, education and training. 7

8 5.0 Watford Profile: Local Needs Analysis The following summary of headline data was identified as a result of looking at some key documents: Watford Borough Council Single Equality Scheme 2010 The Active People Survey 3 (2008 to 2009) The Health Profile of Watford (2010) Market Segmentation 2010 These have helped to shape what priorities the framework will focus on and provide a focus for some of the targeted work. 5.1 Watford Single Equality Scheme 2010 The following summary information is taken from the Watford Single Equality scheme Watford has a population of approximately 83,800. Gender The percentage figures are female 50.12% and male 49.87%. However, the majority of lone parent households, of which there are 1601, are women, which impacts on their ability to participate due to their caring responsibilities. Disability 14.2% of Watford s population classified themselves as having a disability or limiting long term illness that limits their daily activities. Race Overall, Watford s population currently stands at 75% white British, with 25% classified as an other ethnic group. Of these, the largest are white other and Pakistani. Watford has one of the highest percentages of Pakistani communities in England at 4.65 %. Sexual orientation Based on other surveys available, it is estimated that approximately 5% of the population are thought to be gay or bi-sexual. Women only swim session Age Currently our population is relatively young and is heavily skewed towards the 0-14 [18.6%] and [34%] age groups. These figures are higher than the Herts and England average. Only 10.3 % of the population is over the age of 65 and this is lower than the Herts or England average. Deprivation Watford is not a significantly deprived area and ranks 203 out of 354 Local authority areas. No area in Watford ranks in the 20% most deprived in England. However, locally we have 4 wards that do feature in the worst 20 in Hertfordshire; these are Central, Meriden, Holywell and Stanborough. Health deprivation is most noticeable in areas of low income, and these include Central, Meriden and Holywell. 5.2 The Active People Survey 3 [ ] The survey is the largest ever annual survey of sport and active recreation and allows levels of detailed analysis previously unavailable. It identifies how participation varies from place to place and between different groups in the population. The survey also measures the proportion of the adult population that volunteers 8

9 in sport on a weekly basis; club membership; involvement in organized sport/competition; receipt of tuition or coaching; and overall satisfaction with levels of sporting provision in the local community. The following summary information is taken from Active People Survey 3 [ ] The survey indicates that less than 1 in 5 people in Watford are participating in the recommended amount of sport and active recreation (at least 3 sessions of at least 30 minutes, at moderate intensity, per week known as 3x30 ) In addition, Watford's overall levels of non-participation (zero) are significantly lower than the respective national and regional averages amongst specific target groups e.g. women; 16 yrs to 34 yrs; 55+ and those with a longstanding, limiting disability. The following summary information is taken from Health Profile 2010 Watford. Activity levels in children for Watford are significantly worse than England s average. Activity levels in adults for Watford are significantly worse than England s average. Children s obesity is a significant issue for age 5 to 10. Adult obesity levels in Watford are lower than the England average. 6.0 Our priorities The local data we have available provides some direction on which areas and which target groups we should focus on. This will ensure our resources are targeted, and are therefore more effective. Priority 1: Increase community participation in physical activity and sport to contribute towards a healthy town for Watford residents 5.3 Market Segmentation 2007 Sport England developed this so that we can better understand our market. The segmentation model is made up of 19 sporting segments which provide an understanding of the attitudes, motivations and perceived barriers to sports participation. The segmentation model enables the development of tailored interventions, allowing partners and organisations to communicate more effectively with their target market within their local area The Health Profile 2010 The annual Health Profiles by the Association of Public Health Observatories provide information to local government and health services in order for them to target work towards improving people s health and reducing health inequalities. Research highlights the need for an active lifestyle to prevent obesity and avoid the risk of associated diseases. Sport can deliver this, as well as playing a part in the social and environmental well being of the community. Data in section 5 identifies some key target groups which have low activity levels amongst both children and adults. Priority 2: Develop capacity within the local sporting infrastructure, particularly around clubs, coaches and volunteers, to improve sporting opportunities. We recognise the invaluable contribution 9

10 our Watford based clubs play in providing sporting opportunities every week. around clubs, coaches and volunteers to improve sporting opportunities Sports Development at Watford Borough Council can have a role in enabling clubs to continue to provide a range of sporting opportunities, whilst improving the quality of what they offer. This will help support both the participation and performance element of the sports framework described earlier, and our wealth of sporting clubs are best placed to deliver this. 7.0 Summary of consultation 2010 As part of developing the Sports Development Framework, a consultation process took place with key partners. Two sessions were held with the Community Sport Network Active Watford and the District Children s Trust Partnership. With regard to priority 1 the key headline comments that emerged from the consultation were; Everyone agreed that the priority was right; In principle, they supported the role of the Sports Development service being that of an enabler; Given limited resources, the service will need to be focused, so they agreed that targeting resources was the right approach; It was felt that we do need to target specific groups, and the following common themes were being identified, e.g. children and young people aged years, (this was recommended as there is an identified 16+ drop off rate in sport). In addition, questionnaires were sent out to individual partners for comments on the 2 key priorities and their delivery. Comments were received from a range of partners and organisations including local sports clubs (cricket; table tennis; athletics; football; volleyball etc.); Watford Football in the Community; Hertfordshire County Sports Partnership; Pro Action; Extended Schools; Home-Start; Sport England; Primary Care Trust; Sports & Leisure Management; Watford Boys Grammar School; West Herts College; and many more. The overall outcome of the consultation was that there was support for the two priorities of; 1) Increasing community participation in physical activity and sport to contribute towards a healthy town for Watford 2) Developing capacity within the local sporting infrastructure, particularly 10 Aqua fit sessions Overall there was strong support for the framework from partners/organisations, with a range of suggested contributions to help with the implementation. These ranged from providing women and girls sessions, to providing facilities which are accessible and sustainable, supporting future demand but also addressing gaps of service provision. With regard to priority 2 the key comments that emerged from the consultation were; everyone agreed that this was right; clubs will need advice on funding; clubs need support through coach and volunteer development; support for clubs to achieve accreditation; help to promote the profile of voluntary sports clubs;

11 a need to target challenges around drop off age group 16+; we get young people involved in coaching and volunteering; develop links between schools/colleges to aid future growth. There was also strong support to contribute to help deliver priority 2: these included signposting, funding opportunities; working together on joint initiatives and school club links. The findings from the consultation supported the 2 priorities within the framework. The framework has been amended to reflect feedback from the consultation and helped us to prioritise the key target groups for the local area. 8.0 The way forward We will continue to work in partnership where possible, e.g. Community Sports Network; Herts Sports Partnership; Schools Sports Partnerships; SLM; National Governing Bodies; and a really strong infrastructure of clubs, to name just a few. This will ensure that the following 2 priorities of the Framework are met: 1. Increase community participation in physical activity and sport to contribute towards a healthy town for Watford residents. 2. Developing capacity within the local sporting infrastructure, particularly around clubs, coaches and volunteers to improve sporting opportunities. Our aim is to support local voluntary sports clubs to improve their ability, and to deliver through the following key areas: coach and volunteer development e.g. improving coaching standards, developing volunteers; supporting clubs to achieve accreditation; promoting and raising the profile of voluntary sports clubs. The Watford Sports Development provision has moved away from direct provision to one of enabling and commissioning. We will focus on the following: Enabling and commissioning partners/organisations and local sports clubs to create sustainable sporting opportunities amongst identified target groups and develop the capacity within the local sporting infrastructure in identified areas; Support the continuation of a vibrant Community Sports Network Active Watford and other relevant stakeholders through active networks and forums; Help secure external future funding for sports to contribute to outcomes locally. Enable/manage funding to be effectively commissioned through our local sporting infrastructure; Work in partnership with SLM to implement specific elements of the framework Our aim is to work in partnership to increase community participation from specific target groups. These target groups are: women; children and young people ages years; 55 plus; people with disabilities; black and minority ethnic communities. 11 Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, Sharon Davies, Richard Haughton and Three Rivers Leader, Ann Shaw

12 For more information contact our sports development officer on tel: or