Cambridge Sport Network

Cambridge Sport Network
 

Cambridge Sport Network Logo Cambridge Sport Network is the new Community Sport Network for Cambridge City!

A Community Sport Network is a collection of people who have a desire to develop and promote sport and physical activity in their locality. A typical Community Sport Network may include representatives from sports development, education, sport clubs, sports centres, national governing bodies, volunteer networks and wider community groups such as disability groups.

New CSN Website

The CSN have just launched their new website! Please visit www.cambridgesportnetwork.org.uk for more information.

Skills 4 Sport and the Cambridge Sports Awards are inititives developed by the Cambridge Sports Network, working closely with the area sports associations.

The CSN have recently produced a new directory for the local sports clubs of Cambridge city. It contains contact information for all clubs, as well as the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

What do they do?

  • A CSN is a single voice for community sport that brings together people that deliver sport.
  • Pool resources to maximise outcomes.
  • Develops clubs, coaches and volunteers.
  • Develops a single plan for community sport.
  • Reflects local needs.

Purpose and vision of the CSN

The purpose of the CSN is to work co-operatively with the CSP in order to increase participation in sport and physical activity and widen access to opportunities throughout Cambridge city.

"The CSN mission is to consolidate existing sport and physical activity provision and develop new opportunities to enable the people of Cambridge city to enjoy the benefits of leading a physically active life. It exists, to bring together under a common purpose, all agencies involved in providing opportunities for sport and physical activity within the city".

What is happening in Cambridge

In Cambridge, we have developed 4 new local ward based sports associations with aims to develop sport locally. These are:

  • North Cambridge Sports Association – Arbury, Kings Hedges, East Chesterton and West Chesterton.
  • East Cambridge Sports Association – Abbey, Romsey, Petersfield, Coleridge
  • South Cambridge Sports Association – Cherry Hinton, Trumpington and Queen Edith’s.
  • West Cambridge Sports Association – Castle, Market and Newnham.

Following community consultation, we have identified key priorities for the CSN. Key priorities for community sport in Cambridge city are around increasing participation, coaching, volunteering and raising the profile of sport. Additional priorities include:

  • The development of sections of existing sports clubs and of new clubs.
  • Additional coaches/officials are needed to support community clubs.
  • More sports volunteers are required to support the strong sporting infrastructure.
  • There is a need to develop recreational sport in the city to encourage longer participation.
  • There is a strong demand to develop further opportunities for young people aged 5 - 8 years and 12 - 15 years.  
  • There is a demand for more back to sport courses for people aged 16 years plus, which offers sport opportunities for people to return to sport and also offers opportunities for family sport.

Cambridge Sport Network Documents

Together with the sports associations, we are aiming to start new multi-sports clubs in the city as of February 2008. These will be known as 'Skills 4 Sport' clubs that are based in each of the following areas:

There will be a year round programme, working with 8 sports, each for 6 weeks per age group per area. Volunteers will be recruited to the scheme and will be mentored by the head coach leading the sessions.

There will be a weekly coaching session for 5 - 8 year olds, 12 - 15 year olds and 16 years plus at the venues.

The following organisations are linking to Skills 4 Sport:

The CSN have developed the new Cambridge Sports Awards which aim to recognise and raise the profile of sport within the city.

The CSN are also developing a city wide sports volunteer programme to recruit, retain and support local volunteers.

For more information regarding the Community Sport Network, please contact:

Sally Stanhope
Sports Development Manager
Tel: 01223 457531
Email: Sally.Stanhope@cambridge.gov.uk