Access Sport’s annual review has been published, outlining how the sport for development charity has supported more than 120,000 disadvantaged and disabled young people over the last 20 years.
The review maps its journey from a small charity established in south-west England, to its position today as a national charity working in six cities and across 16 partnerships with governing bodies, including Flyerz with England Hockey, Hoopz with Basketball England and ‘Get Rolling’ with Skateboard GB.
However CEO Helen Rowbotham claims this work is “the tip of the iceberg” compared to what could be achieved, and has called for more organisations with shared values to reach out and discuss how they could work in partnership with Access Sport.
With more than four million young people currently living in poverty, Helen notes “the inequalities facing disadvantaged and disabled young people remain, making our work more important than ever”.
Access Sport reached 20,495 young people in the year 2023-24 and aims to increase this to 50,000 by 2027.
"Making inclusion the norm in community sport is at the heart of what we do,” said Helen. “This review showcases our transformational impact on communities and individuals over the last two decades.
“Looking ahead, we must recognise that this work is the tip of the iceberg. More needs to be done so that disabled and disadvantaged young people can access inclusive community sport.
“We invite organisations who share our values to reach out. By supporting us, you are championing tangible, positive change.”
