The Aim of SBDC Sports Development

Our approach to sports development originates from the belief that sport is an invaluable tool in enabling communities and individuals to develop in a variety of ways, such as improving social skills and healthy lifestyles, and we have sought to identify appropriate sports development initiatives which best meet identified needs. At the same time we recognise that opportunities exist to enhance the provision and impact of specific sports by virtue of the facilities or the sports specific development officers present in the area.

The following are examples of some of our projects (Please note the Sports Development Policy is currently under review and therefore some of these projects may change in the near future)

Young People
Throughout the year the Sports Development Team organise activities and events that involve young people of various ages. These include:

  • Summer activities - over the school summer holiday period we organise sport specific coaching courses which gives young people the opportunity to improve their sporting skills and take part in friendly competitions.
  • Local schools competitions - we organise competitions for local schools in Sports Hall Athletics and Basketball.
  • Active Sports - a County partnership has been formed to implement this initiative in partnership with Sport England. Active Sports will create more opportunities to help young people reach their potential in their chosen sport. The competitive outlet for this initiative is Heart of the East Youth Games. This is where a number of squads are formed to represent South Beds to compete against other districts in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

See also Youth Sports Development

Older People
We are working in partnership with various agencies to organise 'Awareness Days' to promote physical activity to older people. We aim to develop and create partnerships, inform older people/ groups of physical activities available to them encourage involvement and create sustainable activities.

People with Disabilities
Each year we organise an event for people with disabilities and older people called 'Able 2'. The day encourages and promotes activities to people with disabilities that they can develop at their clubs. We also develop Boccia, a seated bowling game, amongst groups and hold tournaments and leagues to promote the game.
Able.jpg

 Rural Areas
In partnership with the villages we organise a yearly event called, Inter Village Games. It involves different activities for various age groups and encourages the villages to continue with sporting activities throughout the year.

Focus Sports
Currently our focus sports are basketball, athletics, hockey and tennis. There are various activities that run throughout the year that promote and encourage these sports. We are also working in partnership with the Football Association and other local authorities to develop Girls Football.

Other Areas
There are currently 3 local Sport Councils in South Beds who produce a directory of local clubs, disseminate information, administer a grant aid scheme and support Sports Development initiatives.

Contacts:

Dunstable Sports Council: Tel: 01582 526635

Leighton-Linslade Sports Council: Tel: 01575 373559

South Beds District Council works in partnership with leisure management contractor `Leisure Connection`, who manage, on behalf of the Council, the three Sports and leisure centres located in Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis.
Both South Beds District Council and Leisure Connection are committed to ensuring that opportunities to engage in sporting activities are widely available to the entire community within the District. By sharing resources, the partnership aims to deliver and promote a wide range of quality sporting activities and experiences to the community.

Funding
The Sports Development team also supports local groups with funding opportunities and applications. If you would like assistance in completing a funding application form, or would like to discuss this area further please contact Sports Development Officer.

For further information on the above contact:

Community Sports Development Officer - Tel: 01582 474095

Youth Sports Development Officer - Tel: 01582 472222 ext. 32030