Local Sports Partnerships & Their Role

Why Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) Matter

Sport Ireland recognizes Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) as key drivers in making sport accessible to local communities. LSPs help deliver recreational sport at the grassroots level through strategic planning, collaboration, and targeted programmes.

Key Objectives of LSPs:

Develop and implement long-term strategies for local sports development.
Create sustainable structures to support volunteers, training, and club management.
Deliver programmes focused on increasing participation among target groups.
Establish local networks and align with national initiatives.

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Core Functions of LSPs

Information

Facilitate community engagement and consultation.
Conduct research and maintain sports directories and databases.
Identify local needs and available resources to inform planning.

Education

Offer quality training and education for volunteers, coaches, and sports leaders.
Provide access to National Governing Body (NGB) courses.

Implementation

Develop strategic plans for local sport.
Manage participation programmes tailored to community needs.
Enhance the impact of national sports initiatives at a local level.
Promote and market sport effectively within the region.

The Role of LSPs in the Community

LSPs aim to increase sports participation and optimize local resources. Key outcomes include:

Strengthening club development.
Providing training for volunteers.
Improving local sports planning.
Creating sports directories and facility listings.
Building strong links between schools, clubs, communities, and national bodies.
Increasing participation among underrepresented groups (e.g., women, older adults, people with disabilities, unemployed individuals, and those in disadvantaged areas).

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Who Can Join an LSP?

LSPs invite participation from all groups involved in local sports development, including:

– Statutory bodies: City & County Councils, Health Service Executive (HSE), FÁS, Education & Training Boards.

– Educational institutions: Universities, Institutes of Technology, Schools.

– Community & voluntary organizations: Public Participation Networks (PPNs), local sports clubs, and NGBs.

– Commercial companies interested in supporting local sports initiatives.

How LSPs Are Structured

Each LSP is guided by a consultative forum that represents local sports organizations and stakeholders. Most LSPs operate as a substructure of a local authority, ensuring that funding is dedicated solely to sport. The LSP Advisory committee comprises key decision-makers in sports development, who oversee the work of the Local Sports Partnership.

The Role of the Local Sports Coordinator

The Local Sports Coordinator plays a central role in driving the LSP’s mission. Their responsibilities include:

– Leading strategic planning and overseeing its implementation.

– Acting as a liaison between local and national sports bodies.

– Organizing community meetings and facilitating board discussions.

– Coordinating training, education, and participation programmes.

Support for LSPs

Sport Ireland’s Participation Unit provides LSPs with:

Assistance in establishing LSPs and hiring key staff.
Strategic planning guidance and training for coordinators.
Access to a national network for sharing best practices.
Development of targeted programmes and materials.

Funding for LSPs

Two types of financial support are available:

Core Funding – Supports staffing, partnership development, and innovative initiatives.
Programme Funding – Finances high-priority community sports projects.