Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

• Ensuring that those at greatest risk / need benefit from clear pathways toparticipate and that as many barriers as possible are identified andremoved to help facilitate this.33. Sport Across Staffordshire and <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council are togethercurrently mapping the location and scope of the various participation andhealth initiatives across the City. An early finding from the consultation withstakeholders is that there are a number of projects working independentlyfrom each other, sometimes leaving ‘gaps’ in the coverage, and sometimesalmost duplicating the efforts. Lessons are not always being learnt from thework, and are not being shared with the other key organisations. There is alsoa major issue in relation to the sustainability of projects beyond the fundingperiods. There is an urgent need to better co-ordinate the stakeholders in thedelivery of programmes and to communicate the message in relation to thekey challenges facing the City in respect of health and the levels ofparticipation.Supporting performance34. This theme includes:• Ensuring that those with talent are identified and encouraged and thatlocal clubs and governing bodies are able to provide as seamless apathway as possible to help those who wish to progress;• Promoting awareness of those local people who excel through sport.35. The City’s clubs also have the potential to play a key part in supporting anddeveloping talent within the City. Enhancing the links between keyprogrammes within schools such as Gifted and Talented and the City’s clubsare important to this agenda. However, clubs will require additional support tomaximise their ability to promote excellence and to support talent. This is inareas such as coach development, facility provision and access; and thedevelopment of clear player pathways from local to national competition thatmight be within a single club, or through a network of clubs across the City.Events36. Events can encourage and enthuse everyone with an interest in sport,whether this is as a spectator at major football matches or at a national eventsuch as the Cycle Tour of Britain, or direct involvement in neighbourhoodfestivals or challenges.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 46Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009 – 2016October 2009