The University of Cumbria has been awarded £250,000 by Sport England to support the growth of training and skills in the sports sector, including outdoor sports. Over the next two years (2008-10), in collaboration with Cumbria Sport Partnership and Lancashire Sport and with support from SkillsActive, the Get Qualified programme aims to assist in the development of a quality sport workforce across these two counties and ultimately help to increase participation in sport and physical activity in local communities.
If you are over 16 and working or volunteering in sport you may be eligible to apply for Get Qualified funding for sport specific training. This funding will cover up to 60% of the course fees and can be used towards a range of recognised sports qualifications, from qualifications in football to judo and athletics. The maximum that you can request from the project is £250 and you can only apply once. To be eligible for funding, your club must have achieved or be working towards a recognised quality standard such as Club Mark, have a recognised formal community link such as a School-Club Link agreement or, in the case of the outdoor sector, be affiliated to the relevant NGB. If you are eligible to participate in Get Qualified there is an obligation for you to deliver a minimum of 15 hours volunteering within 3 months of completing your course in return for the support that you receive.
Sports that are eligible for funding include: Athletics, Equestrian, Judo, Rugby Union, Badminton, Football, Lacrosse, Squash, Basketball, Golf, Netball, Swimming, Cricket, Gymnastics, Outdoor Studies and Pursuits, Table Tennis, Hockey, Rugby League, Exercise, Movement and Dance, Cycling and Tennis.
Bruce Lawson, Development Manager (Sporting Infrastructure) at Cumbria Sport Partnership said “coaches and officials are vital to help run any club or sports organisation and develop the sports skills of its members and teams. Most clubs are run on a voluntary basis, so it can be really costly for individuals to finance coaching qualifications. If you are involved in a sports club, the "Get Qualified" programme is a great opportunity to get on a registered coaching qualification and develop your coaching skills. In Cumbria we want as many people as possible to get on the scheme, help spread the message about sport and get people more active!”.
For more information and to download an application form and guidance pack, click on the link to the right of this page. Or contact Rachel Walker on 015394 30275.