Residents of a Sheffield community have kick-started sports training in their area by taking part in a unique project.
The hugely successful Burngreave Sports Project, funded by £415,725 over three years from Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC) and managed by Sheffield City Council's Activity Sheffield, focuses on getting local people more active.
A priority of the project is to help community members taking part gain accredited sports coaching qualifications.
Since the project started in January 2003, over 100 Burngreave residents have been put through recognised qualifications. A variety of coaching awards have been achieved including community sports leaders awards, child protection courses, first aid courses and football, basketball, netball, athletics and gym instruction courses.
Due to the success of this training programme, the project has managed to recruit 15 paid local people to work regularly within the project as coaches delivering activity sessions and supporting a number of volunteers. In addition, two full time trainee sports development workers have also been appointed. They are paid and will spend two years with the project undertaking a combination of study, sports training and work experience.
Tanya Bailey (23), trainee sports development worker, said: "I have lived in Burngreave all my life and this job has opened up opportunities for me in the sporting industry that I have always wanted.
“It is the best of both worlds as I am developing a career in an area I have always wanted to work in and being given the chance to go back into education. I am meeting lots of new people and getting satisfaction out of helping other people. After the two-years I will have gained so much experience that it really is setting me up well for the future. I would like to thank Activity Sheffield and Burngreave New Deal For Communities for their help and support” she added.
Daniel Jackson (22), also a trainee sports development worker and Burngreave resident, said: “I've always enjoyed taking part in sport activities and have wanted to work in this area. This opportunity has kick started my career in the sports industry and the experiences I gain can only benefit me in the long-run.”
Fifty sport sessions a week are now being run in the area which are specifically aimed at the project's key target groups of women and girls, black and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, people over 50, children and young people. Many of these sessions are now delivered by local people.
Katy Burnett, Project Co-ordinator, said: "Burngreave Sports Project has worked hard to engage the community in sport courses and has addressed many of the barriers that may prevent local people from taking qualifications such as providing crèche facilities, subsidising costs and providing women only courses.
“We are thrilled that so many local residents are taking advantage of the opportunities available to them and are proud to staff our schemes and sessions with local people. It is fantastic that they are now in the position to carry on with the work taking place in Burngreave after the conclusion of the project,” she added.
John Clark, BNDfC Chief Executive, said: “It is fantastic to see projects such as this one do so well and make such a difference to the people of Burngreave – this is what the BNDfC programme is all about.”
For more information on Burngreave Sports Project please contact Activity Sheffield on 0114 2734266.