National Lottery Funding awarded to get more people active in Derby
£525,000 awarded to the Derby Active Through Football consortium to use football to boost the activity levels of people in areas of Derby
Active Through Football is providing the Derby Active Through Football consortium the funding to increase participation in football. The consortium went through a competitive process to secure the funding which was open to applications from communities who face some of the greatest inequalities to being physically active.
The project will be based in Normanton and Arboretum, two of the most challenged areas of the city. Communities are being given the opportunity to co-design, deliver and participate in physical activity based around football.
Consultation is ongoing with a wide range of community groups and representatives with a view to kicking off the five-year project in early summer.
The key aims include:
- to increase opportunities to access physical activity in a safe and comfortable environment
- to aid regeneration of open spaces and provide opportunities for training and development.
- empowering residents to enable positive change in their communities
- connecting them more with football-based activities in a way that best suits their needs, and
- residents working together with a shared interest.
Helen Britten, Co-ordinator at Community Action Derby, said:
“Normanton and Arboretum are areas of Derby where space is at a premium and people have little access to sport and physical activity. We were overwhelmed by the appetite of people to get involved. Many said this was long overdue and they are very excited to be part of it.”
Consultation with women in the communities has underlined a desire for activities including female-only football sessions and walking football. A football group for younger males has already started, with the consortium supporting the setup and registration.
“There is a reason why football is followed and played by so many the world over. It brings people together and helps build connections in communities. It’s also the sport that is played the most in England and has a reach into places where our research shows activity levels are lower.
“Sport England is proud to be one of the funding partners helping to tackle these inequalities and to support more people from a variety of backgrounds to enjoy playing football and all the benefits that brings.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:
“This grant award to Derby Active Through Football is fantastic news for the local community in Derby. Football is a game for everyone - regardless of their background - and it’s only right that people across all walks of life are able to play the nation’s favourite game.
“Over the past 21 years, we have been working with local authorities up and down the country to ensure everyone has access to high quality pitches.
“Thanks to Sport England National Lottery Investment, this new project will help to transform people’s lives by developing a programme of accessible activities which will improve confidence, health and wellbeing and community cohesion in Derby, unlocking the many benefits of football for the community.”