Sports

Medway Council is committed to supporting its clubs, coaches and athletes to achieve excellence, from grassroots to elite level.

The sports development team runs a programme of funding, training and support for clubs, coaches and athletes.

Club development

Local sports clubs are the bedrock of sporting participation in Medway. They cater for every resident, young and old, and provide Medway's population with the chance to play sport, whether it be competitively or socially. There are more than 500 sports clubs in Medway. Take a look at the council's online club directory for one to join. The council's Sports Development Team offers general advice, assistance and support to sports clubs in Medway. The team actively encourages all clubs to work in a co-ordinated manner in co-operation with other local clubs and organisations. Medway Council is particularly keen to support and promote clubs that achieve Sport England Clubmark status, the national standard for quality youth sport provision. Medway has 25 Clubmark clubs who also play a key role in Medway's Community Sports Network.

Club development grants

Medway Council runs a programme of development grants to support local clubs.

Up to £250 is available for clubs to run projects aimed at boosting participation as part of the sports development funding programme.

Grant applications are assessed on the following criteria;

• only voluntary, not-for-profit sports clubs can apply;
• one entry per club;
• applications should have an emphasis on increasing adult participation (post 16) through sport;
• projects should involve new and innovative ideas.

Applications are also welcome from clubs who are working towards Clubmark accreditation and need some financial assistance to enhance their club development through workshops or training.

For further information on the criteria, download the guidance document (pdf 103KB).

The current round of grant applications runs until 31 March, 2011. To apply, download the application form (pdf 79KB) and send it to sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk. Alternatively contact Sarah Dand on 01634 338766.

Medway 2012 and Sports Development Team also works with Kent Sports to promote and deliver training opportunities. For more information contact the team or visit www.kentsport.org.

You can also contact Medway Council’s Corporate Funding Unit for guidance on additional funding opportunities.

Coach development Medway sports coaches have a vital role to play in coaching the local community. Coaching is central to the development of sport at every level and investment in coaches is crucial if clubs are going to improve. To help Medway coaches improve in all areas Medway Council has a series of coach development grants. Coaches who live in Medway are invited to apply for up to £100. Applications are limited to one per individual per year and to a maximum of two individuals per club.

Applications must meet the following criteria:

• all courses must be national governing body courses;
• individuals should reserve a place on the relevant course and then apply for a coach development grant;
• the application must be received at least 28 days before the course start date;
• you cannot apply for a grant after you have attended a course;
• the council will only fund sports nationally recognised by Sport England.

For more information download the guidance document (pdf 94KB).

The grants scheme runs until 31 March 2011. To apply, download an application form (pdf 73KB) and email it to sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact Sarah Dand on 01634 338766.

To use the pdf files on this page, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it on your computer, please use our advice page.

Sports Coach Register

Medway Council operates a coaching register to link qualified coaches and assistant coaches with clubs and organisations and specific coaching programmes in schools and the community.

Registered coaches are currently held on a database that displays all of their contact details, qualifications and recruitment details. An equitable coach recruitment policy is in place that includes screening, induction and minimum operational standards.  

All registered coaches will be invited to a free emergency first aid course and child protection training.

For more information, visit www.medwaysportscoaches.co.uk or contact Sarah Dand on 01634 338764 or email sarah.dand@medway.gov.uk.

Athlete support Medway Council has a comprehensive programme of support to help Medway's most talented young sportsmen and women reach their potential. The first step to excellence is Medway Sporting Academy. The pioneering academy assesses 10 and 11-year-olds for all-round sporting talent, examining characteristics including: speed; balance; agility; co-ordination; and strength. As athletes progress to county level they become eligible for Medway's athlete support packages.

Support for successful athletes comes in the form of financial reward, free access to sports facilities and sports science assistance to help athletes reach the peak of their sport.

Athletes are placed in one of three categories, based on their sporting achievements and age:

• Elite Athletes are those aged 16 to 30 years who represent Great Britain or who currently hold a top 10 national ranking.
• Project 2016 athletes are aged 12 to 15 years and represent the county or the south-east or compete in national competitions within their discipline.
• Athlete development athletes also represent the county or the south-east or compete in national competition but are aged 16 to 21 years.

For more information on Medway's athlete support package and to discuss how it can help an athlete you know call Mike Evans on 01634 338135, or email mike.evans@medway.gov.uk

^ (back to top)