Summary:
Sport Structures project managed the Opportunities for PE and Sport (NOPES) portfolio in Sandwell from 2005. The Big Lottery Fund (BLF) programme was designed to improve opportunities for young people and their communities to take part in physical education, sport and outdoor adventurous activities through the development and/or improvement of sports facilities.
Approach:
The NOPES funding available to Sandwell MBC was allocated to a total of 31 facility projects. These included projects at outdoor activity centres, secondary schools and primary schools. The projects varied from a sports store to a new artificial turf pitch. Successful implementation of the projects involved liaising with suitable partners, including schools, planners and contractors. Sport Structures were also responsible for managing appropriate budgets in relation to the individual projects and undertook monitoring and evaluation of the project. An impact assessment measured what effect the project had on NOPES and Sandwell’s aims and objectives.
Outcome:
The funding from the NOPES programme has improved and increased the provision, and use of PE and sport facilities for young people and the community in Sandwell, factors previously highlighted as weaknesses during the development of the Sandwell MBC Physical Education and Sports Strategy (2003-2008).