Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 15

18 November 2004

Establishment of Free Access for County Sportspeople (F.A.C.S) in Hampshire

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Tim Dancer Ext: 6283

1. Purpose of the report

1.1 To seek support for the development of the Free Access for County Sportspeople scheme (FA.C.S) at a cost of approximately £2,500 which will be met from the Sports Development budget.

2. Background

2.1 Free Access for County Sportspeople is an important sports development initiative which aims to provide County level performers the support and encouragement they require to help them reach their full potential and cement Hampshire's status as the country's leading sporting county.

2.2 The introduction of Free Access for National Sportspeople (F.A.N.S), which was fully supported by Hampshire County Council, has seen many successes and has been hugely beneficial to those on the scheme. Since F.A.N.S introduction in Hampshire, 4 sportspeople supported by the scheme have attended the Olympics, with many others competing at World and European Championships for their given sports such as skiing, athletics and weightlifting.

2.4 Following the success of F.A.N.S, it is proposed that the scheme be extended to County level talented and dedicated sportspeople. This group of people would benefit from access to quality training facilities throughout Hampshire. The ultimate aim of the introduction of F.A.C.S is to increase the number of successful sportspeople Hampshire have in progressing from county to regional and national squads whilst maintaining it's status as a top sporting county.

2.5 Preliminary consultation with National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities and leisure providers indicates that the introduction of FA.C.S would benefit mass participation sports such as rugby and cricket. This is due to these sports operating with a wide participation base, with county level performance the top of their developmental pathway. This in turn limits the access these sports have to the F.A.N.S scheme. Following preliminary consultation, F.A.C.S would also be well received by the facilities within the county due to the efficient and cost effective manner in which the F.A.N.S operates, and the assumption that the F.A.C.S scheme would be equally as well administered and coordinated.

3. Financial Implications

3.1 The initial cost of establishing F.A.C.S would be £2,500, which would be used to design and produce the relevant application form, promotional material, membership cards and to coordinate a suitable launch for the scheme.

3.2 The cost of providing the facilities including wear and tear and officer time will be met by the providers.

4. Legal Implications

Not applicable.

5. Next Steps

5.1 With the support of the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, it is proposed that the Sports Development Unit will complete the following:

· Consult with all Local Authority Sports Development Officers to confirm the details of the scheme. - Mid November 2004

· A full proposal will be presented to the Chief Leisure Officers Association for their agreement. - December 2004/January 2005

· Letters of confirmation from each Chief Leisure Officer will be received, outlining which centres in their authority will be part of the F.A.C.S scheme. - January 2005

· Information packs and meetings (where required) will take place with each leisure provider outlining the procedures and guidelines of the F.A.C.S scheme - February 2005

· Launch the F.A.C.S scheme in the spring of 2005

5. Hampshire County Council's Corporate Strategy

5.1 The introduction of F.A.C.S will contribute to the corporate aim of maximising life opportunities by offering talented and dedicated sportspeople the opportunity to access quality leisure facilities, that may otherwise be too expensive, through effective partnership work. This will in turn allow them to reach their full potential.

Recommendation

That support from the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage be given to the introduction of Free Access for County Sportspeople in Hampshire.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. 2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the act

TITLE LOCATION

Free Access for County Sportspeople Proposal Sport file