Clubs, Coaches, Volunteers Newsletter July 2025
Active Kent & Medway's 2025 Conference
SAVE THE DATE: We are delighted to announce the 2025 Active Kent & Medway Conference will take place on Wednesday 15 October 2025, from 9:30 to 15:30 at the Kent Event Centre, Detling, Kent, ME14 3JF.
Our confirmed keynote speakers include Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England and Sarah Philpott, five-time Solo Channel Swimmer, Original Triple Crown (World #7), Mental Health Warrior, Ocean and Environment Activist.
You will also hear from representatives across sport, physical activity, and health sectors as they take part in a Q&A session and talk about the contribution they are making to ‘Move Together’, the county-wide strategy for sport and physical activity. There will be a choice of bite-sized briefings on key topics, as well as the opportunity to network with other delegates throughout the day.
Published: Our Opening School Facilities Impact Report 2023-25
Active Kent & Medway proudly supported the Department for Education’s Opening School Facilities programme between January 2023 and March 2025. Now the programme has come to an end, we are pleased to present the impact and learning from the schools involved.
Our report demonstrates how schools opening their facilities and partnering with community organisations has had significant impact on physical and mental wellbeing of young people and local residents.
The report also contains a full list of schools who opened their facilities for community use as well as a helpful toolkit for schools and organisations looking to open their facilities for the first time.
Small Grant, BIG on Impact Film
We’re delighted to share our latest film which captures the impact of our Small Grant. Hear how the grant is supporting local clubs and organisations to enhance sport and physical activity opportunities across the county. Helping local people and communities get active, whilst supporting participants’ physical health and mental wellbeing. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this film from Gravesend Tennis Club, Canterbury Rugby Club, Kent Lions Disability Football Club and Thrive By The Sea CIC.
Funding Opportunities
Active Kent & Medway Small Grant
Small grants of up to £500 for local clubs and organisations looking to encourage and increase participation in physical activity for those living in Kent or Medway.
Funding could be available to cover facilitator or coaching costs, venue hire, equipment, marketing and publicity for projects such as new programmes, festivals, events, launches or celebrations of activity, that re-engage with previous audiences and/or encourages those new to activity to continue to be active.
“A simple application and fast to be approved. It’s made such a difference to the lives of the people within the group.”
Workforce Development Bursary
Thinking about becoming an activity leader or yoga instructor for your local community group? Perhaps an assistant coach to support your club’s weekly sessions?
Our Workforce Development Bursary can cover up to 50% of the costs (maximum £500) towards qualifications or awards that increase the quantity and quality of leaders, coaches, instructors and officials in Kent, and therefore assist the development of sport and physical activity in the county.
“The assistant coach qualification is a stepping stone to gaining my full coaching qualification. I have learnt new skills and drills on the course which has helped me develop.”
Capital Grant for Sport
Is your sports club, school or parish council looking for funding to assist with a new facility or building improvements, or looking at purchasing a piece of fixed equipment? Or, perhaps you need support to make your venue more accessible to disabled people?
The Kent County Council Capital Grant for Sport, administered by Active Kent & Medway, can offer up to £5,000 towards improving any sport and physical activity facilities in order to develop and widen participation in sporting activities across the county. Deadline for applications: 31 August 2025.
Training Opportunities
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Workshop
Our next face-to-face UK Coaching Safeguarding & Protecting Children Workshop takes place on Monday 20 October at White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley, 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Protect yourself, the young person and your club/employer by understanding and following good practice. Places cost £35 each.
“Better to do it in person rather than on a computer.” Previous Attendee
Maximise Volunteers’ Experience Workshop
Sport England’s Buddle workshop focuses on building a strong and supportive volunteering culture within your organisation. You’ll explore strategies for enhancing the volunteer experience, from recruiting and retaining volunteers to recognising and rewarding their contributions.
You’ll leave with actionable steps to strengthen your organisation’s volunteer network and ensure a positive, rewarding experience for all involved. Upcoming online workshops:
- 23rd July, 12:00 – 13:00
- 23rd August, 12:00 – 13:00
Community Fundraising Advice Session
Join Funding For All for their online Get Fundraising-Ready session in advance of the Community, Craft & Courage Event, a brand-new mass participation fundraising event which is taking place on Saturday 27 September at Rochester Cathedral.
Their live online session is on 22 July at 10am, which will provide the details, top tips, and expert advice on making the most of this exciting fundraising opportunity in September. Whether you’re a charity, community group, or an individual supporter of a cause close to your heart, this session will equip you with everything you need to raise funds easily and effectively.
Sport Welfare Officer Network
The Active Partnerships National Organisation (APNO) has released a summary of its interim evaluation report on the Sport Welfare Officer Network, offering valuable insight into progress towards the early outcomes.
Our two Sport Welfare Officers Jimmy and Stuart who are part of the national network of sport welfare officers, have fed into this evaluation and continue to support local clubs and Club Welfare Officers through regular events and signposting to guidance and support. If you’d like to find out about the support that is available at a local level, please reach out to Jimmy or Stuart.
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in this newsletter you’d like to discuss, then just get in touch and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. Please email: activekent@kent.gov.uk
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