Local Government ExplainedPublic sports: Case studies and resources for local government
Sid Hayward, LGIU
Curated case studies on new approaches to making local sport more accessible, fairer, more sustainable, and for the community. Examples this week come from the UK, Australia, Ireland and Finland.
Curated case studies on new approaches to making local sport more accessible, fairer, more sustainable, and for the community. Examples this week come from the UK, Australia, Ireland and Finland.
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Policy innovation and inspiration examples from the local government sector
AUSTRALIA: Councils must prove gender equity of sports centres to qualify for funding
Starting in July 2024, Victorian councils will need to demonstrate their sporting facilities are gender equal in order to qualify for infrastructure funding. The Fair Access Policy Roadmap, part of the state’s Gender Equality Act, aims to ensure equal access to community sports infrastructure for women and girls. Councils must develop gender equity plans and undergo assessments to continue receiving funding. This initiative seeks to enable women and girls to fully participate in community sports and benefit from local facilities.
Government News
FINLAND: Cities partner to explore if artificial grass can be reused
The Finnish cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Turku, and Oulu are exploring the potential of reusing and recycling artificial grass. The cities are collaborating to gather experiences on artificial grass reuse and identify recycling solutions in Finland and Europe. The study, set to conclude in summer 2024, aims to promote a circular economy and find innovative ways to repurpose end-of-life synthetic turf materials, reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability.
SmartCitiesWorld
UK: Future-proofing sporting events in Sunderland
In 2024, Sunderland City Council launched the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, which aims to upgrade the way people experience sports and esports events in the local area. The SONET project aims to enhance connectivity and digital services at the nearby Stadium of Light and the British Esports National Esports Performance Campus. Now, visitors to either venue can experience augmented reality features, greater data protection and security, remote ordering of food, drink and merchandise, and real time information about their chosen sporting event.
SmartCitiesWorld
IRELAND: 5-a-side with local business leaders aims to raise awareness of health issues
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recently hosted a 5-a-side tournament at Newry City Football Grounds in support of Men’s Health Week. The event aimed to encourage local business men to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and raise awareness of preventable health issues. The council partnered with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency NI to organize the tournament, which saw teams competing in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, promoting fitness and camaraderie while supporting a vital cause.
Newry
Report: Reaching the less active: A guide for public sport and leisure services
This guide developed by Sport England, the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), and the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) offers strategies for public sport and leisure services to engage underrepresented groups. The guide highlights the importance of designing services that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and local outreach. It also provides case studies of successful interventions and promotes the use of data to better understand and address the needs of less active individuals. In doing so, local authorities can contribute to healthier, more active, and connected communities.
Report: Local government funding of community sport & leisure
The role of local councils in providing sport and recreation opportunities is tackled in this report. It underlines the benefits of active communities and the need for collaborative, outcome-focused strategies involving all stakeholders. The report highlights the importance of addressing financial constraints, embracing technology, and developing tailored programs to increase participation.
Guide: Promotion of sport at municipal level
This report will be of use to local governments seeking to enhance sports promotion. It addresses topics such as sports clubs and organisations, sports facilities, financing and fund-raising, and cooperation with social entities. The report highlights the role of sports in fostering local development, inclusivity, and well-being, acting as a valuable resource for councils to create effective sports promotion strategies.
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