Introduction: The Fit and Fed programme was delivered weekly on Sundays from 2pm to 6pm in the areas of Kempton and Bedford. It targeted young people aged 8 to 14 from low-income households, families on free school meals and single-parent homes. The sessions offered physical activity alongside nutritious meals. Demographic Profile: Participants predominantly came from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The cohort was ethnically diverse, with representation from African, South Asian and White British communities. Community Feedback: Parents and local agencies expressed a strong need for services addressing food insecurity and physical inactivity. Feedback indicated weekends were particularly challenging for families in providing structured engagement and meals. Youth Engagement Trends: Young people expressed interest in sports and safe spaces to socialise. A lack of affordable, consistent programmes outside school terms led to frustration and disengagement. Community Needs Assessment: Outreach and surveys revealed a high level of food insecurity and social isolation. Agencies confirmed a demand for a structured, inclusive programme combining fitness and nutrition. Why it was a Need: Financial Barriers: The rising cost of living prevented access to healthy meals and paid sports activities. Limited Recreational Options: There were no other free weekend programmes available. Recreational opportunities. Social and Developmental Benefits: The programme promoted social bonds, structure, discipline and physical well-being. Outcomes Achieved: Enhanced participation with an average of 25 young people per session. Participants reported increased energy, social interaction, and emotional well-being. Improved fitness, behaviour, and self-confidence observed. Parents noted a positive change in their children's discipline and social skills. Key Results: Survey Data Analysis: 87% of participants reported increased confidence and enjoyment of physical activity. Participant Feedback: Positive responses from both parents and young people highlighted the inclusive and fun nature of the sessions. Attendance Rate KPI: 90% of registered participants attending each session. Target: 85% Current: 90% Next Steps: Maintain high attendance through peer referrals and reminders. Participant Satisfaction KPI: Satisfaction with overall experience. Target: 4.0 . 5 Current: 4.3 . 5 Next Steps: Continue gathering feedback and adjust session activities accordingly. Retention Rate KPI: % of participants who continue attending weekly sessions. Target: 70% Current: 85% Next Steps: Introduce incentives for ongoing participation. Future Plans: Sporting Aid plans to expand Fit and Fed to additional neighbourhoods and work with new partners to offer consistent, year-round delivery. Plans include school holiday intensives and the addition of workshops on nutrition and health. Project: Rising Star Basketball (Bedford, Waltham Cross, Hatfield) Introduction: The Rising Star Basketball programme operated weekly in three locations; Bedford (Tuesdays), Waltham Cross (Wednesdays) and Hatfield, targeting young people aged 11 to 18. The sessions were free and focused on skill-building, fitness and positive social engagement. Demographic Profile: Participants came from low-income and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Many had never accessed structured or affordable sports sessions. Community Feedback: Community stakeholders expressed concerns about youth inactivity and a lack of accessible sports options. Basketball emerged as a preferred sport during initial surveys and engagement. Youth Engagement Trends: High levels of interest in basketball, especially among older boys. Youth requested more evening and after-school recreational opportunities. Community Needs Assessment: Local authorities and schools reported a need for structured diversionary activities. Lack of affordable clubs left many young people without recreational outlets. Why it was a Need: Financial Barriers: Cost of coaching, transport and kit excluded many families. Limited Opportunities: No other free basketball sessions existed in these areas. Social and Developmental Benefits: Improved self-esteem, physical health and peer relationships. Outcomes Achieved: Participation increased from 8 to 55 weekly. The programme was adapted to split age groups due to high numbers. Visible improvements in skills, discipline and teamwork. Stronger community connections through youth engagement. Key Results: Survey Data Analysis: 92% of participants reported increased confidence. Participant Feedback: Young people described the sessions as "motivating", "fun", and "supportive". Long-Term Engagement: Participants requested longer-term or additional weekly sessions. KPI Results: Attendance Rate Target: 85% Current: 70% Next Steps: Improve consistency via reminders, transport support and peer leaders. Participant Satisfaction Target: 4.0 . 5 Current: 4.5 . 5 Next Steps: Maintain high satisfaction by refreshing session content. Retention Rate Target: 70% Current: 75% Next Steps: Introduce leadership roles and volunteer pathways. Future Plans: sites with council partnerships. Project: Next Generation Podcast Introduction: The Next Generation Podcast aimed to amplify young voices through digital storytelling. Participants aged 13 to 21 explored themes such as knife crime, youth identity and community safety while learning how to plan, produce and present their own podcast episodes. Demographic Profile: The group was made up of diverse young people from Bedfordshire, many of whom had never engaged in media or public speaking. Ages ranged from 13 to 21, with balanced male and female participation. Community Feedback: The initiative received strong backing from schools, youth workers and families, who valued the platform’s ability to foster confidence and create dialogue on sensitive issues. Community Needs Assessment: There was a lack of youth-led platforms and creative outlets in the area. Many young people expressed frustration at being unheard and misunderstood. Professionals saw the podcast as a means to build bridges between youth and wider society. Why it was a Need: With no accessible podcasting resources, young people were limited in sharing their perspectives. This initiative addressed the gap, offering free access to equipment and training while fostering personal growth. Outcomes Achieved: Multiple episodes were produced covering real-life experiences and social challenges. Participants developed new skills in communication, editing and storytelling. Many described feeling more empowered and capable. The podcast was recognised with a Bedfordshire Youth Award. KPI Results: Completion Rate: 100% Increased Confidence: 90% of participants reported improved communication skills Participant Satisfaction: 4.6 . 5 Future Plans: The project will be extended to more regions. Workshops on media production will be introduced and schools will be invited to embed podcasting into their curriculum. Plans include developing an online youth media platform. Project: Calisthenics Programme Introduction: The Calisthenics programme supported young people aged 12 to 21 in developing physical and mental wellbeing through bodyweight training. Delivered weekly in local parks and outdoor gyms, it focused on conditioning, strength and healthy lifestyle routines. Demographic Profile: Participants were predominantly male and aged 13 to 19. Most came from ethnically diverse, low-income backgrounds and had not previously engaged in structured fitness activities. Community Feedback: Young people showed a strong interest in alternative fitness opportunities that did not require expensive gym memberships. Parents highlighted the discipline and confidence the sessions instilled. Community Needs Assessment: Traditional gym environments were often financially or culturally inaccessible. The community expressed a desire for informal yet structured outdoor fitness sessions. Why it was a Need: Rising levels of obesity, anxiety, and sedentary behaviour following the pandemic called for accessible interventions. This free, outdoor programme removed financial and social barriers while promoting consistency and self-discipline. Outcomes Achieved: Participants reported improvements in strength, mobility and confidence. Several continued training independently outside of the weekly sessions. The programme fostered positive habits and peer support networks. KPI Results: Attendance Rate: 80% Satisfaction Score: 4.5 . 5 Reported Wellbeing Improvements: 75% Future Plans: Expansion into new parks is planned, along with the introduction of a peer mentor scheme to support sustainability and youth leadership. Project: Multi Sports Introduction: The Multi Sports project delivered a range of recreational activities for young people aged 8 to 16 in Broxbourne Areas. Sessions were held weekly and included football, dodgeball, cricket, and other inclusive team sports designed to increase participation, promote health, and foster teamwork. Demographic Profile: Participants came from a wide cross-section of the community, including young people from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds and low-income families. Many had limited prior access to structured sports. Community Feedback: Parents and teachers frequently expressed appreciation for the project’s inclusive nature and variety. Feedback showed a high demand for non-specialist, multi-sport opportunities that could cater to different interests and skill levels. Community Needs Assessment: Many communities lacked accessible, varied sporting provision. Local surveys indicated that young people were less likely to engage in physical activity when confined to a single sport. The project bridged that gap. Why it was a Need: Traditional sports clubs often focused on competition and single-sport specialism, which deterred casual participation. This programme provided low-pressure, diverse physical activity options that were both enjoyable and confidence-building. Outcomes Achieved: Participants developed skills in communication, coordination, and resilience. Sessions created a positive and inclusive culture where all abilities were welcomed. There was a marked improvement in weekly activity levels and peer relationships. KPI Results: Attendance Rate: 82% Participant Satisfaction: 4.4 . 5 Weekly Physical Activity Increase: 68% of participants Future Plans: Plans include expanding to more neighbourhoods and introducing seasonal tournaments. We also aim to work with local schools to support in-school delivery. Project: 3v3 Basketball Introduction: This project provided weekly indoor 3v3 basketball tournaments and skills sessions for young people aged 13 to 18. It was designed as a high-energy, social intervention to keep youth active, competitive, and connected. Demographic Profile: Participants were largely from inner-city areas with high levels of youth disengagement. Many were not part of school or club teams but had a strong interest in recreational basketball. Community Feedback: The compact format of 3v3 basketball was highly praised by young people, who found the games fastpaced and exciting. Parents appreciated the structured indoor activity, particularly in colder months. Community Needs Assessment: Discussions with schools, police, and youth services revealed a need for informal yet structured sports that could provide positive evening engagement. Basketball was identified as a key interest. Why it was a Need: The absence of regular indoor sports activities after school left many young people idle and disengaged. This programme created a safe and consistent outlet for energy and competition while reinforcing teamwork and respect. Outcomes Achieved: There was a notable improvement in behaviour, teamwork, and communication. Participants gained confidence and physical fitness. Several now play in more formal teams and leagues. KPI Results: Attendance Rate: 78% Conflict-Free Sessions: 95% Participant Satisfaction: 4.6 . 5 Future Plans: We plan to increase the frequency of sessions, introduce refereeing workshops for older teens and host regional 3v3 tournaments. Project: Halloween Youth Takeover Introduction: Held during the October half-term, this one-day event provided over 80 young people with access to fun, creative, and educational activities. The programme included sports, arts, music, and costume contests, aiming to offer a safe and enriching Halloween experience. Demographic Profile: Attendees were aged 8 to 17, from various parts of Broxbourne Area. Many were first-time participants in any youth programme, particularly from refugee and asylum-seeker families. Community Feedback: Feedback from parents and community leaders was overwhelmingly positive. They valued the safe and supervised environment provided during an otherwise unstructured school holiday. Community Needs Assessment: Consultation with schools and social workers highlighted the need for inclusive holiday programming to reduce isolation and increase engagement during the Halloween period. Why it was a Need: Many families could not afford paid holiday activities, and concerns about anti-social behaviour on Halloween were widespread. The event offered structured, positive alternatives and increased community cohesion. Outcomes Achieved: Young people had the chance to try new activities, interact with peers, and gain confidence in a festive environment. Several expressed interest in joining our other weekly programmes as a result. KPI Results: Total Attendance: 87 young people First-Time Participants: 65% Satisfaction Score: 4.7 . 5 Future Plans: The success of the Halloween Youth Takeover has encouraged plans for similar seasonal events at Christmas and Easter. We aim to work with local partners to expand capacity and activity range. Project: ABC Skateboarding Introduction: ABC Skateboarding was introduced as a weekly grassroots initiative aimed at engaging young people aged 10 to 18 through skateboarding. Sessions took place in Waltham Cross, offering a safe, creative outlet for physical activity, self-expression and skill-building. Demographic Profile: The programme primarily engaged young people from low-income households and ethnically diverse backgrounds. A significant number were new to any form of organised sport or recreation. The gender balance was more even than anticipated, with growing interest from girls and non-binary participants. Community Feedback: Parents, youth workers, and local councillors reported that the skateboarding sessions filled a unique gap in youth provision. Young people expressed enthusiasm for the freedom, creativity and community offered by the sport. Community Needs Assessment: Consultations highlighted a lack of alternative physical activities that appealed to youth uninterested in team sports. Many young people identified a desire for outdoor, self-paced hobbies with room for personal style and progression. Why it was a Need: Traditional youth sport programmes often cater to mainstream activities, leaving little space for alternative subcultures. Skateboarding proved an effective way to engage otherwise hard-to-reach youth, particularly those on the margins of formal recreation settings. Also Broxbourne Council recently invested into a skate rump in the area, which was a growing need to teach young people how to skate safely. Outcomes Achieved: Participants improved balance, confidence and perseverance. The informal coaching model encouraged peer-to-peer learning and leadership. Many formed new social connections and began using local skate parks independently between sessions. KPI Results: Weekly Attendance: Averaged 32 participants Satisfaction Rating: 4.5 . 5 Retention: 72% of attendees participated for more than 6 weeks Future Plans: We aim to partner with local councils to improve skate park infrastructure, train youth leaders as mentors and run pop-up skateboarding events in underserved areas during school holidays.

Sporting Aid identifies its stakeholders as young people, local residents, council representatives and voluntary sector partners. As our projects are aimed at supporting local communities, particularly young people from low-income backgrounds, we place a strong emphasis on inclusive consultation. To ensure our initiatives meet the needs of those we serve, all participants are asked to complete brief surveys before and after project involvement. These surveys help us build a participant profile and evaluate the impact of our work. We also conduct regular evaluations with staff, volunteers and participants after each session to gather valuable feedback and highlight areas for improvement. Sporting Aid maintains an open-door approach to engagement, welcoming ideas and suggestions from young people, parents, and community partners. Our programmes are shaped by this ongoing input, ensuring that they remain relevant, responsive, and community-led.

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No transfer of assets other than for full consideration