USD52m Funded Sportivate Initiative Launched by Sport England

It was announced yesterday, June 14, that Sport England has launched a US$52m National Lottery-funded project to get hundreds of thousands of teenagers and young adults into sport as part of a new programme aiming to fulfil the legacy promise made by London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe to “inspire young people to choose sport”.

Sportivate will give 14-to-25-year-olds a chance to receive six to eight weeks of coaching in a sport of their choice and is aiming to see 300,000 teenagers and young adults completing sports courses over the next four years.

Sport England chief executive Jennie Price stated: “Lots of young people think sport isn’t for them. I would like them to have the chance to discover whether there is a sport they really enjoy, so this programme is all about choice.

“Everyone who takes part will receive high quality coaching – giving them the confidence and skills that will make them want to keep playing in the future.”

Sportivate will be delivered by the network of 49 county sports partnerships who will work with local providers and sports clubs to help the youngsters continue taking part long after they have completed their course.

Sport and the Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson added: “This £32m ($52m) Lottery programme launched by Sport England will give hundreds of thousands of teenagers and young adults across the country the opportunity to try out and get coached in the sport of their choice.

“I’m sure these same young people will also be inspired when the world’s greatest athletes compete here at next summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games and will then want to stay involved in sport for many years to come.”