London Community Sports Network

The London Community Sports Network is an initiative that we have been developing over the past four years. It aims to create an umbrella agency that supports development of the voluntary sports and community sector in London. The Network has further objectives, in working with community agencies that deliver projects promoting equity and social inclusion and to perform a pressure group function voicing grassroots concerns.

Sprint Project

Inspired by the forthcoming London 2012 Games, a new training programme Sprint is urging Community, Sport and Youth workers to come forward and take advantage of training opportunities to support them to work with some of London’s most vulnerable young people.

The recent launch of Sprint held at the Emirates Stadium was attended by over 100 people interested in finding out the range of courses available. Supported by the London Development Agency (LDA), the project is run by the London Community Sports Network who will be supporting the over 500 individuals in the workforce to gain qualifications and develop skills in everything from coaching sports to youth work.

Manny Lewis, Chief Executive of the LDA, said:

“The difference positive role models can make is immense. These youth workers are already making a difference in their communities, but with further training they can make a bigger impact.

“We all know that sport can harness children’s imagination and teach them the value of dedication and hard work - but social problems can often keep them away. The holistic approach in these courses is going to make a difference in engaging the most hard to reach.” 

The breadth and range of Sprint activity is wide and includes accredited sports coaching certificates, youth and community work courses, a Masterclass programme consisting of seminars from expert practitioners and an Employment programme of job swaps, work shadowing opportunities and careers advice.