AQW 49151/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/09/2015
Answered On Date: 06/10/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for her assessment of the importance of grassroots volunteers within community sport; and what support her Department offers.

Answer:

The role of volunteers in our society is significant and they are to be commended for their active support and role in many aspects of sport, including grassroots and community sport. Their contribution to sport at all levels is critical to the sustainability of the sport, to society in general in terms of health and well being and to our communities.

I can advise that during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years, Sport NI has invested approximately £1.5 million in 270 community/voluntary sports projects through the Active Awards for Sport programme, with anticipated learning opportunities for 2,132 volunteers. In addition, Sport NI provides a wide range of programmes that supports coaching and volunteer learning and development within a number of organisations including, Governing Bodies of sport, Sports clubs, Disability Sport NI and Special Olympics.

I recognise that the development and maintenance of organised sport in the north of Ireland is heavily dependent on volunteering.

The findings in the recent mid-term review of Sport Matters indicates that there were over 150,000 adults in the North of Ireland who had volunteered in sport in various capacities and frequencies. In addition, many people in the North’s community value the chance to volunteer in sport and there is evidence to suggest that they would welcome more opportunity to do so. The report therefore recommends that stakeholders such as local authorities, sports Governing Bodies and representatives from the voluntary and community sectors, should consider how additional opportunities for volunteering might be provided and how barriers such as training and skills needs can be addressed. This will be achieved through ongoing activities to resource and support volunteers through clubs and Governing Bodies and to promote volunteering in sport with employers. Continued commitment by volunteers can be recognised through engagement with coaching and qualification opportunities.