Empowering Youth Through Sports: Community Pitches at Coram's Fields

The Pitch

Problem statement

At Coram's Fields our Sports Development Programme provides children and young adults with free structured sports activities for them to enjoy and excel. We use a targeted approach to engage girls and young women, those at risk of exclusion and anti-social behaviour and individuals with special education needs and disabilities. With an increased demand and raising costs we are facing a funding deficit for this free service. The current grant expires in November 2023, and we need additional new funding to maintain our sports pitches. The funding will contribute to the maintenance of our community pitches to continue being available for the most disadvantaged children and young adults.

Solution

With this funding, we can pay for the maintenance of our pitches for 6 months, new floodlights, nets and goal posts enabling us to provide children and young adults with a free and safe space to play sports. This support will facilitate exercise, boost confidence, and foster long-lasting friendships among participants.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Sports Programme delivered for 20 yrs+ Over the past year, we provided Free sports and physical activities to 596 children and young people. Inclusive Approach: 31% female, 23% Black African, 6% Asian, and 11% mixed race. 12 local schools (sports events and sessions) Specialist sport sessions (Argyle school) - highest nos. from deprived areas. Children over 10 yrs old with special education needs. Activities we run: The Camden Youth League Under 16’s; Oak Foundation Youth Football League; Targeted sports and fitness session for high-risk individuals; Exclusive girls and young women’s sports project; Special educational needs & Disabilities sessions

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

600 people

Expected impact

Sports Programme (18-19 yr old group) In 2022 : 157 different attendees In 2023: 204 different attendees Most of our young people attend regularly, and we will welcome new young people in the programmes through referrals and our work with schools. We continue to provide expert support to young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds who account for 78% of the young people in our Sports cohort.

Track record

Testimonials from the young children and adults that have used our pitches and advocate for its need in the community. Quotes from benefactors of our space. A participant from our sports session shares: ‘I’ve come to Coram’s for as long as I can remember, I love having somewhere to come and play football with my mates. The sports team have helped me improve as a player so much and given me the confidence to join a team’ A girls’ football sessions participant shares: ‘I play okay football at school, but I wanted to start playing some more, since joining the girl’s session at Coram’s Fields I feel like I’m improving as a player, the coaches always make it fun, and I’ve made some new friends too.’