Active Communities Programme

Active Communities is an investment programme that seeks to employ, deploy and train a network of full time and part time sports coaches and leaders to deliver activities in community and club settings across Northern Ireland, with a view of increasing participation in sport and physical recreation, especially among under represented groups.

Through the Active Communities investment programme, Sport NI has set out to work in partnership with key stakeholders (consortia’s & associated partners) to achieve the following Programme Outcomes:

• The creation of a network of community sports coaches and leaders to deliver sport and recreational activities in sports club and community settings; 
   
• Increased participation in sport and physical recreation among under represented groups including young people, older people, women and girls, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups and people from socio-economically deprived groups; 
   
• The provision of opportunities that support lifelong participation in sport and physical recreation in sports club and community settings; and, 
   
• The development of effective working partnerships within and between district councils, governing bodies of sport, schools, sports clubs, and statutory, community and voluntary organisations.

The programme was open to applications from 11 consortia of district councils as outlined in Model 11b of the Review of Public Administration Consultation (March 2005). Strabane District Council has taken the lead in developing the Active Communities Plan in close partnership with Derry City Council’s Sports Development Team. A submission of a Coaching & Leadership Implementation Plans was made in February 2009 and as a result DCC was successful in receiving funding to employ a range of coaching specialists to take the programme forward within the city.

The following sports and physical activity initiatives will be developed under the Active Communities Programme:

• Judo & Wrestling Coach
• Physical Activity for 50+ Coach
• Physical Literacy in Young People Coach
• Health & Well Being Coach (working with people suffering from life-limiting conditions)
• Cricket Coach
• Rugby Coach
• Multi Sport Coach specialising in Basketball

Since their employment these coaches have undertaken the design, development and delivery of many innovative physical activity, sports specific and physical recreation programmes for a range of target groups including, schools, primary and post primary, special needs groups, older people, women and girls, people with life limiting conditions and sedentary adults. Programmes run throughout the year and all these coaches can be contacted at 02871 361566.
 

Active Communities Coaches: