To mark our 10th anniversary, we asked sport for development organisations to provide 50 words explaining if or how ConnectSport has helped them over the past decade. More than 50 responded...
 | "Everton in the Community appreciate the importance of sport and physical activity with tackling various social challenges and improving health outcomes. Having the platform of ConnectSport allows this impact and key learnings to be disseminated effectively to various target audiences, which is so important." – Michael Salla, Director of Health and Sport |
"As a small team up in the North-East of Scotland, it's hard to keep on top of news from all over the UK and beyond. ConnectSport helps us to do this and keeps us up to date with great stories and insight from like-minded organisations like ours" – Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer
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 | "ConnectSport is a wonderful platform for the sector. It is a real hub of demonstrating best practice to learn from others, elevating success stories, and raising awareness of campaigns. That space to bring people together is crucial and we have benefitted greatly from it" – Jasper Kain, Co-founder and Director |
"ConnectSport has provided a much-needed platform and voice for the most marginalised yet most impactful 'sport for good' grassroots organisations, giving the sector a chance to celebrate successes and learn. This has led to collaboration within the community and has also been of fundamental value for our place-based work" – Lee Parker, Senior Programmes and Grants Manager
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 | "When delivered well, sport for development projects can give young Deaf people access to knowledge and strategies that keep them safeguarded from abuse and neglect. ConnectSport is an invaluable resource of updates where we can all share our successes and learn from each other" – Stuart Harrison, Lead Consultant |
51. Upshot "ConnectSport is playing a fantastic role amplifying the collective voice of the sport for development sector. The showcasing of best practice; the celebrating of success; and highlighting the collective work of the sector is really important to the longevity and success of sport for development. As an organisation that talks about evidencing impact everyday, we know the power of storytelling is not to be underestimated and Connect Sport provides a brilliant way for the sector to do just that" – Preeti Shetty, Chief Executive
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 | 50. Unicef UK "ConnectSport is a really valuable resource for the sector in the UK. Not only does it help us stay on top of the latest developments in sport for development, it also champions key issues and helps us get our message to a wider audience" – Liz Twyford, Sports Programmes Specialist, UK National Committee for Unicef |
49. London Youth "ConnectSport, for us at London Youth, enables the transformative tool of youth work to be seen, heard and better understood across the sport for development sector as vital in delivering impactful life outcomes for young people. It’s a go-to space for us, and our member organisations, to learn from and partner with" – Kelly Dummer, Head of Sport and Employability
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 | 48. London Marathon Charitable Trust "ConnectSport has grown to be more than just the voice of the sport for development sector – it has become a source of information and inspiration, as well as a hub for collaboration that has helped us get a better understanding of need and how to address this in exciting, impactful ways" – Olu Alake, Strategic Grants Lead |
47. Lord's Taverners "Sport has the power to change lives and make a strong social impact. ConnectSport creates connections and brings the sport for development sector together for the greater good of the young people we work with. ConnectSport helps us keep abreast of what others are doing in the sector. Thank you" – Anna Stogdon, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
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 | 46. Active Luton "ConnectSport is a valuable medium to showcase diversity and inclusion in physical activity, health and wellbeing. With 54% of leisure trusts saying that they face closure (UK Active), promoting the benefits of the inclusive trust model has never been so important" – Lynne Murray, Director of Marketing and Business Development |
45. Leadership Through Sport and Business "ConnectSport is an important and valuable source of information, inspiration, relevant news and insights. LTSB connect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to meaningful careers with major firms. ConnectSport has helped raise our profile, enabling collaboration and opportunities to showcase our impact through our preparation, support and employment bootcamps" – Paul Evans, Chief Executive
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 | 44. Sport 4 Life UK "Sport 4 Life is incredibly proud to be part of the ConnectSport platform and community of like-minded sport for development organisations using 'sport for change' across the UK. We have benefitted hugely from its newsletters, comms and campaigning over the years - helping us to learn, share, evidence and develop. Congratulations on 10 years of service to the sector and we look forward to the next 10!" – Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder & CEO |
43. Comic Relief "ConnectSport has been a really useful means to keep up to date with the sport for development sector over the past few years. It has also been a great way for Comic Relief to publicise some of the sport for development work that it funds and get messaging to the sector effectively" – Olly Dawson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Sport for Change and Social Tech
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 | 42. Riding for the Disabled Association "At RDA we are proud to be part of ConnectSport, helping to make horse riding, carriage driving and other equestrian sports more accessible through our network of groups all over the UK. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary and keep up the good work!" – Caroline Ward, Head of Communications and Insight |
41. Boxing Futures "ConnectSport is an important platform for showcasing and networking organisations, of various sizes, within the Sport for Development sector. Boxing Futures welcomes the opportunity to be part of a community, dedicated to increasing the mental and physical wellbeing of participants and positively increasing social connection through the medium of sport" – Anthony York, founder and CEO
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 | 40. Silverfit "Physical activity is vital for both the physical and mental health of our ageing population. Silverfit promotes happier, healthier ageing and values the role of ConnectSport in promoting Silverfit, ensuring more older people have fun; it’s all about health span rather than lifespan. Keep going ConnectSport!" – Edwina Brocklesby, founder and CEO |
"As a 100% ethnically diverse and women and girls-led grassroots organisation, we feel ConnectSport truly captures inclusivity in sport. The newsletter is always packed with fascinating stories of grassroots organisations which are facing huge challenges whom would not have a platform to share their stories without their incredible work" – Hasna Kahlalech, Founder
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 | "ConnectSport offers a fantastic opportunity for organisations – big and small – across the Sport for Development sector to profile the work they are doing, as well as learn from the good practice of others. It is a invaluable tool in bringing the sector together to share information, and celebrate success" – Greg Baker, Head of Foundation |
37. Salaam Peace "Since Salaam Peace developed a relationship with ConnectSport our work has become better known and our network has grown. ConnectSport is based on the same principles as Salaam Peace, including reaching the communities at grassroots and connecting with the policy-makers. We believe that the work carried out is much-needed and long-lasting. We at Salaam Peace are proud to be associated with ConnectSport" – Sab Bham, Founder
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 | 36. StreetGames "ConnectSport is an unbeatable source of news for the Sport for Development sector and gives organisations the opportunity to share their achievements, raise awareness of campaigns, and learn from others who are working to transform lives through sport. That space to bring people together is a vital asset and that’s why ConnectSport is so important" – Glen Watson, Press and Publicity Manager |
35. Racing Together "British horseracing’s community engagement and education activity, through Racing Together, is grateful for the network, inspiration and communication provided by ConnectSport. It is more important than ever to showcase the power of sport and ConnectSport’s role helps Racing Together to do that to a wide audience" – Lucy Gurney, Community Engagement Manager
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 | 34. SportWorks "The role of sport and physical activity to enhance health and strengthen community is arguably more important in 2021 than ever before. ConnectSport provides informative, timely and relevant content which strengthens the voice for everyone involved in the Sport for Development sector and makes the case for even closer collaboration" – Neil Cameron, Group Director |
"ConnectSport provides an excellent and valuable service to Sport for Development organisations and in turn the nation's health. It gives insight, support and signposting so that delivery organisations can concentrate on what they do best – changing lives through sport and physical activity. Hallam Barbell Club has certainly benefitted and we are really appreciative of the great work they do. Thank you!" – Dave Hembrough, Head Coach
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 | "ConnectSport plays a vital role in enabling Sport for Development organisations to collectively showcase the positive impact they contribute to society. Without the platform it would be difficult to find a way to get this vital message heard" – Jake Turner, Operations Director |
"We believe that physical activity can help to address many of society’s biggest issues. Intelligent Health’s mission is to build active communities and are working with ConnectSport to unite the sector. We want to work in partnership to put physical activity at the centre of a place-based approach to health" – Katherine Knight, Director
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 | "We have always found the ConnectSport coverage incredibly useful to drive awareness of the Sport for Development sector, which ultimately will increase interest and investment in our collective work. It is also great as a source of information and as a means to connect with other organisations in this space" – Marc Leckie, Chief Executive |
29. Diane Modahl Sports Foundation "At DMSF we understand the importance of using sport and physical activity to generate positive social outcomes. ConnectSport is an essential showcasing platform that understands sport's relatable values and how they transcend and impact across so many areas, including raising aspirations, health and wellbeing, increased community cohesion and social integration. We are proud to work alongside them" – Diane Modahl, Founder
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 | "We have found ConnectSport plays an incredibly important role in not only promoting and encouraging the great work that is done by countless organisations, but most importantly to challenge the negative stories that seem to saturate current society (especially when talking about youths). In their reporting of organisations and individuals achievements (often against the odds) they help to inspire others to create more opportunities for people to develop the transferable skills and confidence that is central to the world of sport" – George Turner, Co-founder |
27. Hijabi Runners "ConnectSport has been our megaphone, amplifying our voice. Ever since working with ConnectSport I have seen our publicity grow as more people have reached out and are engaging with us. ConnectSport has helped build our network and now we're flourishing thanks to them. They care about small sports groups like us who are trying our utmost to make a difference with regards to diversity and representation and they strive to highlight, celebrate and empower our achievements" – Namrah Shahid, Founder
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 | 26. The Wave Project "ConnectSport champions the vital role Sport for Development organisations play in helping people to be healthier and more active. Its work in supporting grassroots sport is more important than ever following the pandemic, which has left thousands of people isolated and without positive role models. As a strong voice for the Sport for Development sector, ConnectSport helps to provide a beacon of hope for many people who can use sport as a way of improving their lives" – Joe Taylor, Founder |
25. Burton Albion Community Trust "Being able to measure, evidence and - with the support of ConnectSport - share the positive social impact we have had on individuals and our community is vitally important for us at BACT. Not only does it bring to life our strategic aims and outcomes, it also highlights the significant benefits that having a football club at the heart of its community has" – Paul Furniss, Impact & Insight Manager
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 | 24. Sense "ConnectSport provides an invaluable platform to share and discover the latest news and insight in the Sport for Development sector. As a social care charity, it’s incredibly important that we work with trusted partners who can highlight significant developments and best practice across both sectors" – Alissa Ayling, Head of Sport & Physical Activity |
23. Made By Sport "We know the power of sport to change young people’s lives and that is why organisations such as ConnectSport are so essential in not only telling that story, but also to provide the powerful reasoning why we must invest in sport for development and social good for future generations" – Sophie Mason, Chief Executive
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 | "Sport for Development is at the heart of what we do as an Active Partnership and we continue to be hugely impressed by the work undertaken by ConnectSport, in both heightening the profile of 'S4D' and shining a light on some of the fantastic practice from across the country, which is making such a telling and lasting impact on some of our most disadvantaged, marginalised and under-served communities" – John O'Callaghan, Partnership Director |
21. Badu Sports "Sports is a powerful tool for social change which BADU uses as a vehicle to educate, empower and uplift young people and their families. ConnectSport is a great platform to highlight the incredible contribution that young people have on communities and society" – Natasha Simpson, Community Lead
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 | "ConnectSport has been hugely supportive for Albion in the Community not only in helping to showcase our impact but to read about and connect with the great work of so many Sport for Development organisations. Given the past year, we need to shout loudly about the unique power of sport to make a positive difference" – Paul Williams, Head of Community Programmes |
"The light that ConnectSport shines on the Sport for Development sector is crucial. Collaboration and teamwork are the bedrock of effective sporting programmes, at 3Pillars Project we are impressed by the way ConnectSport supports this. The organisation does a fantastic job of sharing best practice and highlighting the positive work of a hugely diverse range of organisations" – Mike Crofts, Chief Executive
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 | 18. London Sport "ConnectSport plays an key role in shining a spotlight on organisations of all sizes who are improving people’s lives through physical activity and sport. London Sport is just one of those organisations which is why we value the work of ConnectSport so highly" – Lorna Leach, Strategic Relationship Manager |
"ConnectSport provides a strong voice for the Sport for Development sector and plays a key role in raising its profile. We highly value the platform which provides a great resource to gain learning from a range of organisations in the sector as well as share our own stories of impact" – Rashida Salloo, Director and Founder
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 | "Sport for Development is an increasingly important role for sport, especially football, as it can succeed where other interventions fail. Having a co-ordinated platform for S4D organisations to congregate and converse will move this agenda forward, help gain important awareness and help share good practice. We at Brentford Football Club are pleased to support ConnectSport" – Kevin Coleman, Head of Diversity & Inclusion |
15. Mini Mermaid & Young Tritons Running Club UK "ConnectSport creates a community of sharing and inspiration, which is particularly valuable for grassroots organisations like Mini Mermaid and Young Tritons Running Club. The voices and experiences provide resources and ideas that amplify and elevate both individual organisations and the entire collective" – Hannah Corne, Executive Director
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 | "We love the content provided by ConnectSport. Its work helps to shine a light on the extensive work happening across the UK and provides great examples of best practice. A brilliant source of inspiration" – Andrew Jenkin, Manager |
13. Street League "Sport is inherently competitive and that doesn't always lend itself to collaboration. ConnectSport plays a vital role in bringing sport for development organisations together to achieve greater social impact" – Lindsey MacDonald, Managing Director
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 | 12. European Observatoire of Sport and Employment "The partners in the EU-funded CHANGE project, which aims to enhance skills in Sport for Development, have appreciated the support of ConnectSport to spread the word about the project and how their wide network of organisations and partners can get involved through consultations and events" – Ben Gittus, Change Project co-ordinator |
"It is vital that community organisations and charities like our own have someone championing their cause and uniting many tiny voices, to one larger louder voice that can be heard much more clearly. ConnectSport is able to shout from the rooftops about the benefits we can all bring" – Ashley Iceton, CEO
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 | "The success of the Sport for Development community relies upon a vast network of practitioners, coaches, programme managers, academics and volunteers. ConnectSport provides a vital space for us to gather, learn, exchange ideas, share best practices and stay informed, as we are all tugging on the same rope" – Howard Brodwin, Managing Director |
9. Walking Football Association "The WFA is keen to support grassroots walking football and all of its associated health and wellbeing benefits. Platforms such as ConnectSport can really help to introduce new players to the sport" – Stuart Langworthy, Director
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 | 8. BNP Paribas "As an organisation closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we know the invaluable role that sport can play in creating positive change across society. ConnectSport’s newsletter shares incredible stories of organisations making a tangible difference that we would otherwise never hear about. It’s also a great boost of positivity into your inbox at the end of a long week!" – Tara Foy, UK Senior CSR Manager |
“ConnectSport has been an invaluable resource for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust over the years. It has helped us to connect and work with like-minded organisations within our sector to support more young people to live positive lives through sport and physical activity" – Ben Hilton, Chief Executive
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 | 6. Muslimah Sports Association "ConnectSport gives community groups a platform to showcase achievements and voice concerns about challenges we face as small organisations. ConnectSport also advocates on our behalf, amplifying our voices as one to gain greater focus and action. Without this kind of platform smaller organisations within the industry would be drowned out" – Yashmin Harun BEM, Chair and Founder |
5. DS Active "ConnectSport has helped us support more people with Down’s syndrome to play sport and be active" – Alex Rawle, DS Active Project Manager, Down’s Syndrome Association
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 | "Metro Blind Sport knows that sport and physical activity can be a platform for much more, such as increased confidence, social connectedness, and physical health improvements. ConnectSport plays a pivotal role in sharing how organisations like ourselves use sport to make social change" – Martin Symcox, Chief Executive |
"ConnectSport has been a very useful information source to see how other sport for development organisations have been making a difference" – Gavin Hawkey, Director
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 | "ConnectSport plays an influential role in highlighting how organisations of all sizes across the country are changing lives through the power of sport; something that is now more important than ever before" – Peter Ackred, Chief Executive |
1. Blackpool FC Community Trust "The ConnectSport newsletter is always a great read. Short, succinct and insightful. Strongly recommended" – Jason White, Head of Community Programmes
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