Sport England welcomes the Government’s Ten Year Youth Strategy, which will help all young people; particularly those in deprived areas, to take part in enjoyable and purposeful activities in their free time.
Mihir Warty, Director of Policy and Performance at Sport England, said
“It is right that the needs and aspirations of young people are prioritised and this strategy sends out a very positive message. It will play a key role in giving young people more opportunity to get involved in sport and find a one that suits them.
“We are presenting sport and volunteering as two positive activities that can contribute towards the Government’s 5 hour offer for young people.
“For Sport England, the strategy builds on everything we already believe. Sport helps young people develop new skills, grow in confidence and build self-esteem. It can make the journey into adulthood that little bit easier.”
Sport England has set itself the task of getting 2 million people doing more sport by 2012. The recognition of the role that sport can play within this 10 year strategy will allow the partnership between the youth sector and sport sector to continue to develop. Sport England will continue to work with its partners and local authorities to provide sports projects that are based on young peoples needs.
For example Sport England’s Club Links programme showed that during the last academic year 27% of pupils accessed one or more sports club linked to their school or school sport partnership. This is an increase of 22% on 2004/05.
In addition, Sport England’s Step into Sport volunteering programme attracted 78,890 young people in 2006/07 with 13,996 of them accessing sport specific training through leadership, helpers and officiating awards.
Most recently, Sport England worked with DCSF, DCMS and other partners to develop sport guidance for local authorities (children’s trusts), which will be available in early autumn. The guidance, which will be available via our website, explains the role that sport, and those involved in delivering sport, can play in helping local authorities provide accessible and innovative sports projects that excite and enthuse people.
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