‘Active Engagement: A study of Northwest Professional Sports Clubs’ Involvement in Community Regeneration’ is an independent report, undertaken by David Taylor Partnerships (DTP) on behalf of the Football Association (FA) and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
The study, which involved mapping the current activity of 38 clubs representing football, rugby league, rugby union and cricket, aims to develop practical guidance to support clubs in developing their role in community regeneration.
Key recommendations include:
Many clubs need to develop a deeper understanding of the value of their club and the ways in which involvement in community regeneration can benefit them.
Clubs need to enhance their networking and sharing of their experiences in community regeneration.
Clubs should identify a community regeneration ‘champion’ to provide the club with knowledge and ways of taking recommendations forward.
Key regional stakeholders need to recognise the contribution that clubs can make to community regeneration and encourage further dialogue between the region’s sports clubs to encourage best practice and identify further opportunities.
Brian Barwick, chief executive of the Football Association, said: “Further engagement in regeneration activity has the potential to maximise the economic growth of individual organisations as well as boosting the sports industry as a whole.”
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “Collectively, the 38 professional sports clubs included in this study have a combined turnover of £511million. Not only do they bring thousands of people to the Northwest each year, but they are also at the heart of many of our local communities."
For further information contact Laura Hampson on 01925 400256 or 0707980 713287 or Laura.Hampson@NWDA.co.uk
