Sporting Futures

What is Sporting Futures?

Sporting Futures is an employability programme designed to engage, motivate, and inspire young disabled adults. It aims to break down employment barriers for disabled people within the sports sector.

The programme runs for 12–14 weeks, involving participants in a variety of job roles and activities. We provide a hands-on, practical approach to learning, tailored to individual interests and abilities. Participants will gain experience in various aspects of club operations, including grounds maintenance, coaching, media, and other essential roles. The programme also offers voluntary work experience that is sustainable beyond its duration.

Why Sporting Futures

Disabled people continue to face significant challenges in securing employment, particularly within the sports sector.

Key statistics highlight this disparity:
• 46% of disabled people of working age are currently unemployed.
• Only 9% of disabled people feel they have the opportunity to take on coaching or sports delivery roles.
• Disabled people are less than half as likely to see representation in sports and physical activity roles.
• Many disabled people feel overlooked and underrepresented, especially within the sports sector.

Sporting Futures directly addresses these challenges by providing meaningful learning opportunities, fostering inclusion, and supporting sustainable work experience placements.

Our Impact

Our programme is a joint initiative, partnering with sports clubs to promote the inclusion of disabled people within the sector. It is built on a flexible and supportive structure, allowing learners to progress at their own pace while developing essential skills for future employment.

Sporting Futures focuses on:
• Enhancing the skills and confidence of disabled people in the sports industry.
• Ensuring meaningful and tailored engagement by fostering individual interests and talents.
• Supporting inclusion within local communities and organisations.
• Providing participants with accredited qualifications to enhance future employment opportunities.
• Strengthening local clubs by training disabled people in a range of valuable skills.
• Ensuring participants gain sustainable experience that extends beyond the programme.