ConnectSport, the online news platform which sought to shine a light on the UK’s sport for development sector for over a decade, has relaunched as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
As a CIC, ConnectSport will partner with universities to deliver training in sport, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and communications, sharing the resulting content on its website [connectsport.co.uk] to showcase sport’s role in driving globally-recognised sustainable development goals.
By collaborating with university students, ConnectSport will demonstrate how important ESG outcomes are being generated every day by local charities and organisations that deliver targeted sport and physical activity-based interventions.
Despite their vital work in towns and communities facing deprivation and disadvantage, many of these organisations struggle to raise awareness or attract media coverage, meaning potential partners or investors remain unaware of them. In May, the Centre for Social Justice research revealed that 85% of charitable investment in England and Wales goes to just 4% of charities, and that smaller charities account for 97% of charity closures in the last 10 years.
As a CIC, ConnectSport will seek to redress this power imbalance with the support of partners committed to the growth of the sport for development sector. Profits from sponsorship and consultancy services will be reinvested to amplify the work of these local organisations.
INTRODUCING ALTAIR
Altair Ltd is supporting the relaunch of ConnectSport CIC. A consultancy specialising in helping socially-focused organisations and charities in community impact, strategy and fundraising, through to governance, people and much more. It now also boasts an impressive track record in the sport and sport for development sectors following the acquisition of Oaks. Altair shares ConnectSport’s vision for building and strengthening the sector.
Director of Sport for Altair, Emma Atkins, well known for her work across the sports sector over the last 30 years, stated: “We are delighted to support the relaunch of ConnectSport. At Altair, we share its passion for the role sport and physical activity can play in creating positive change, and we look forward to shining a light on the many brilliant people and organisations doing vital work in communities across the UK.”
Simon Lansley is Managing Director of ConnectSport CIC. A former national sports editor and commercial director, Simon spent eight years supporting the growth of the Sport for Development Coalition, and oversaw the development of its #OpenGoal Shared Advocacy Framework which highlights sport’s contribution to key policy areas in the UK such as health, education, employment, criminal justice and social cohesion.
Simon commented: “We are really excited to be relaunching ConnectSport as a CIC, and I’m especially grateful to the people and partners who share our vision and are keen to support it.
“Through our university partnerships, we will continue to champion important frameworks, like the SDGs and #OpenGoal, bringing them to life through the stories and experiences of people using sport and physical activity to change lives and strengthen communities across the UK.”
Read Q&A on why ConnectSport has teamed up with Altair Ltd.
ConnectSport CIC will unveil other supporting partners in due course, along with news of its university partners and training programmes. If you would like to find out more about ConnectSport, you can sign up to our weekly newsletter here or get in touch at hello@connectsport.co.uk
