Sport Partnerships are aiming to be a game changer for future generations, transforming the way community sport is created, delivered, led, and funded.
Designed to overcome ongoing and stubborn inequalities in participation in sport and physical activity, these partnerships will help transform Wales into an active nation where everyone can have a lifelong enjoyment of sport.
Five areas in Wales make up the nation’s Sport Partnerships. These partnerships are new, purposely set up regional entities that will provide strategic leadership, planning and commissioning for sport and physical activity within the area.
We want Wales to be an active nation where everyone has the opportunity to have a lifelong enjoyment of sport. For some this is already the case, but despite the very best efforts of many people, others are still unable to access the same level of opportunities to take part and enjoy being physically active.
In Wales, taking part in physical activity at least 3 times a week is recognised as a national wellbeing indicator. Alarmingly, around half of all young people who identify as Black, Asian or from minority ethnic groups; more than half of all young people with a disability; almost 6 in 10 young people from the most deprived communities; and over half of all girls, are still participating less frequently than this.
However, a staggering 96% of young people have said that they would like to do more sport, showing a huge level of opportunity if the sporting offer is right.
There are numerous potential benefits of Sport Partnerships, which will differ in different areas depending on each partnership and what suits them best.
Sport Partnerships will:
The five Sport Partnership areas are:
North Wales’ Sport Partnership, Actif North Wales, was established in 2021-22. As part of their new ten-year strategy, they launched their Innovation Fund in September 2023, supporting projects, initiatives and partnerships that will enable more people to take part in physical activity and sport.
Read Actif North Wales’ strategy
The West Wales Sports Partnership (WWSP) was established in 2023. WWSP will operate as a company limited by guarantee. Dr Sue Barnes (CEO of Wales Air Ambulance) has been appointed Chair alongside a diverse skills-based board. In 2024 Jamie Rewbridge was appointed as CEO and Kate Williams as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Development.
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The Mid Wales Sports Partnership (MWSP) was established in 2024. MWSP will operate as a company limited by guarantee. Sherrie Woolf has been appointed Chair alongside a diverse skills-based board. Gemma Cutter has been appointed as the Regional Director for the region.
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The Central South Active Partnership (CSAP) was established in 2024. CSAP will operate as a company limited by guarantee. Professor Leigh Robinson has been appointed Chair alongside a diverse skills-based board. They are currently in the process of recruiting a lead executive role.
If you would like to get in touch with CSAP please contact us at Sport Wales and we can put you in touch with the appropriate person.
A regional sport partnership is currently in development within this region.