Contact: Ian Beacham, Education Officer (Sport), 01962 846367, email: [email protected]

Julie Amies, Senior Sports Officer, 01962 846029, email: [email protected]

1 Introductory summary

This report sets out the detailed proposals for the Hampshire Talented Athlete Programme {HTAP} and updates members on the Hampshire Olympic Fund approved by Cabinet on 30 October 2006.

2 Recommendations

That the development of a Hampshire Talented Athlete Programme as outlined in paragraph 5, combining the junior and senior sports bursary schemes, currently administered by Children's Services and Recreation and Heritage Departments, be approved.

That a sum of £15,000 per annum, funded from the Policy and Resources grants fund, be identified to support the development of the Hampshire Talented Athlete Programme.

That the inclusion of the unitary authorities is approved subject to suitable funding contributions being identified by them.

That the reporting and approval mechanism for the Hampshire Talented Athlete Programme be approved. Further that the update on the Hampshire Olympic Fund be noted.

3 Background

3.1 In March 2005 Hampshire County Council commissioned research from Roehampton Institute to identify the needs of talented athletes across the region. The findings from this report highlighted several barriers to athletes reaching their full potential, including: funding, access to sports medicine and science and, balancing school-sport commitments.

3.2 In response to these findings and Britain's successful bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012, a recommendation "that Recreation & Heritage and Children's Services departments examine ways to resource, including financial, travel, equipment, training and medical support, Hampshire's potential Olympians via the sports bursary schemes" was included in the London 2012 cabinet report of 30 October 2006.

3.3 The proposals in this report are expected to improve the chances for Hampshire's young people to achieve their full potential in support of the County Council's corporate priorities.

3.4 The proposals also contribute to the outcomes for children as specified in the Children's Act 2004; being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a position contribution and economic well being. Furthermore it delivers the strategic priorities of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Partnership of increasing participation in sport and physical activity and developing performance, as well as supporting the development of the gifted and talented.

4 Current position

4.1 Hampshire County Council, through the Recreation and Heritage and Children's Services Departments has long held a tradition of providing talented athletes with award winning support structures, including:

· Junior & Senior Sports Bursary schemes

· Free Access for National & County Athletes to facilities (F.A.N.S/F.A.C.S)

· 4SM (Sports science and medicine for Hampshire's talented athletes)

4.2 When examining the results of the research and how Hampshire County Council should best respond, it became clear that there was an inconsistency of criteria in the existing support structures in Recreation and Heritage and Children's Services. There appeared to be differing levels of awareness of support structures amongst some sports, low numbers progressing through from Junior to Senior Bursaries and large differences in levels of support which led to some athletes missing out on the support they need and deserve.

4.3 Recreation & Heritage and Children's Services have worked together to develop ways in which some of these problems could be overcome thus improving and even enhancing support services to talented athletes.

5 Hampshire Talented Athlete Programme

5.1 As a result of this work, the two departments have developed a combined award. This would ensure that criteria and funding packages (ranging from a minimum grant of £200 to a maximum grant of £800) are consistently applied. Importantly, applications will not be left to chance as National Governing Bodies of Sport and Hampshire Schools' Sports Associations will be asked to nominate their talented athletes and then monitor the award holder's performance throughout the year. This will ensure progress is being evaluated and investment remains appropriate.

5.2 To ensure that the County Council's support is targeted, the Governing Bodies of Sport have been informed that this new scheme is needs driven. Elite athletes who already receive lottery funding will not be eligible, whilst younger athletes on the cusp of success, such as those in National Performance Squads, will instead be put forward for this support.

5.3 Further, to ensure that the limited resources available have optimum impact, it is recommended that only the 31 priority sports identified by Sport England should be supported (i.e. those recognised for their Olympic and World Championship competitions). A list is attached at Appendix 2.

5.4 Utilising existing support schemes, an enhanced package of support will be provided to identified talented athletes through: the provision of Free Access for National Sports People, (F.A.N.S.), which gives free access at peak times to leisure facilities throughout the county and 4SM, access to fast track physiotherapy support in either Southampton or North Hampshire Hospital Trusts.

5.5 Through recent investigation, the following enhancements to the programme can also be achieved: mentoring support to help athletes achieve a lifestyle balance; press news support highlighting the athletes' achievements; free bus travel to the top 25 athletes supported through in-kind sponsorship from Stagecoach and First Group to the value of £20,000; and a sports science conference to support the athletes' development.

5.6 Additional enhancements will also be available by the provision of free rail travel and through additional financial sponsorship.

5.7 To reflect the investment made, all athletes, or their respective parent or guardian where an athlete is under 18 years will be expected to sign an agreement with Hampshire County Council that will commit them to being a Hampshire Sporting Ambassador. This will involve guest appearances, photographs and general sports promotion, particularly in schools, acting as role models and helping to impart positive messages about the importance of being physically active and most importantly of all the fun that can be had participating in sport.

6 Involvement of Unitary Authorities

6.1 Throughout the research, it also came to light that the unitary authorities run similar support schemes for athletes residing in their areas. Inconsistencies in criteria between these schemes and those of the County sometime cause confusion and it has been recognised by all authorities concerned that there are benefits in terms of improved service and efficiency savings for the benefit of athletes if there is one scheme with one set of criteria for all residents of Hampshire.

6.2 Subject to appropriate approvals, HCC and the unitary authorities would like to work in partnership to develop the Talented Athlete Programme. The unitary authorities would make appropriate financial contributions. This agreement has several key benefits, including: single bursary scheme for all residents of Hampshire, consistent awards, increased profile, increased marketing and sponsorship opportunity, Gershon savings on administration and management. To reflect the partnership approach, the unitary authorities have been given the opportunity to join the scheme and negotiations are still taking place. This however does not affect Hampshire's ability to be operational as from 1^st April 2007.

7 Implications of the proposed changes

7.1 Under the current Junior and Senior sports bursary schemes, on average 270 individuals receive awards per year. Under the new scheme, only 200 individuals will be selected for the various levels of award (Gold, Silver & Bronze). Whilst this represents a decrease in the number of awards allocated, the intention is that assistance will be directed at those who are identified as most talented by their National Governing Bodies of Sport and Hampshire Schools' Sports Associations, who are most likely to succeed on the world stage and who therefore are most likely to benefit from this support.

7.2 In addition, fewer sports are likely to receive support. However, looking back at awards made over the last three years by both Children's Services and Recreation and Heritage Departments, only four sports would have been affected: octopush, model aircraft flying, tai chi and le trec (horse and carriage driving).

7.3 Athletes who may be experiencing financial hardship will still be assisted within the separate financial assistance programme.

8. Hampshire Olympic Fund

8.1 At a meeting of the Cabinet on 30 October 2006, members looked at how the County Council could provide support to maximise well being and benefits from the Olympic Games for the people of Hampshire.

8.2 One of the decisions taken included the establishment of a Hampshire Olympic Fund of £10,000 a year every year until 2012, to raise the profile of arts and culture in 2012.

8.3 The accumulative Hampshire Olympic Fund will be reserved until 2011/2012 and will be used to deliver a programme of arts and culture in Olympic year. A report outlining details of the programme will be brought at the appropriate time.

8 Consultation

8.1 Consultation for the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme took place with young people through the Roehampton Institute research. Extensive consultation has also taken place with local authorities, national governing bodies of sport and school sports associations.

8.2 Consultation for the development of a Hampshire Olympic Fund took place through meetings with relevant Departments across the County Council.

9 Legal implications

9.1 None.

10 Financial implications

11.1 To ensure the scheme can work to its full potential, a minimum of £43, 750 is needed. The following budget is suggested:

11.2 In order to improve the programme even further officers will explore other funding opportunities, for example, sponsorship and contributions from the unitary authorities.

11.3 The joint administration of the scheme will allow for Gershon savings in both officer and administration time.

11.4 Recommendation for awards will be made by a joint advisory board, comprising of officers from Recreation and Heritage and Children's Services departments. These recommendations will be reported to the Executive Member for Policy and Resources for approval on an annual basis.

11 Personnel Implications

11.1 None.

12 Impact assessment

12.1 A race and equality impact assessment has been undertaken. No adverse impact has been identified as the scheme will be open to all young people who meet the scheme's criteria.

14. Conclusion

14.1 The developments outlined in this paper will support the progress of Hampshire's talented athletes as well as providing support to and maximising well being and benefits from the Games for the people of Hampshire.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

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

NB: the list excludes

1. Published works

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

None