Case Studies

Sport England

Prospects4Sport undertake Strategy and Action Planning for HE and FE. How can HE and FE institutions work effectively with other organisations ...

- HE & FE Strategy for the East Midlands

Testimonials

An evaluation of sports club volunteer networks in Nottinghamshire

Nottm City Council 500px

Nottinghamshire County Council appointed Prospects4Sport to undertake research into the training needs and areas of support needed by the sports club volunteer networks in Nottinghamshire. 

Our study involved:

  • researching the reasons for non-engagement by volunteers with the current training provision and volunteer placements offered through NCC and the local authorities
  • identifying the issues that sports clubs face and providing solutions on the developmental needs of sports clubs, coaches and volunteers
  • informing NCC's training and development work with Nottinghamshire volunteers and sports clubs
  • developing on-going monitoring and evaluation processes for the NCC sports development team
  • raising the sports clubs' awareness of the sports development infrastructure in place to support them
  • understanding how sports clubs, volunteers and coaches wished to be communicated with in the future
  • and raising awareness of the County's Intosport web-based tool amongst sports clubs.

The study involved consultation with over 40 clubs, across the county, representing a range of sports. Through the meetings and telephone interviews we collated a detailed picture of the issues clubs are facing with regards: business and sports development planning; access to funding; recruiting and upskilling coaches and volunteers; training needs; facility provision; how clubs address equality; the support clubs require in the future.

The analysis of this information resulted in a series of recommendations for NCC, including:

  • the need for a sub-regional approach across LAs, NCC and the NGBs to implement a coherent programme of training for the voluntary sports club sector thereby removing duplication of training courses and addressing current gaps in training which included official and referee training
  • to develop a Coach Education Exchange programme in the county, in conjunction with the LAs, to develop coaches' CDP through shared knowledge and expertise - sport specific and cross sport
  • to develop a number of projects which build on the need to enhance coach recruitment particularly level 2 and 3 coaches; advertising and implementing a coach placement scheme, in conjunction with the NGBs to place newly qualified coaches with sports clubs; develop LA sportscoach networks in the districts - an opportunity for coaches to network, share best practice and knowledge
  • the need to promote existing volunteer training opportunities more effectively through a variety of mechanisms
  • the need to improve and have more bespoke communication with sports clubs, the promotion of sports club forums, and the sharing of best practice, templates and networking opportunities.