Fit for the Future: A Five-Year Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity in Jersey 2014 – 2018

FOREWORD

In less than two years' time Jersey will host the NatWest Island Games, which will put our sporting community in an international spotlight. The feeling of anticipation is already growing; this is more than a sporting event – it's also a chance to showcase our Island.

It means we have a unique opportunity to use the power of sport in many ways, not just for visitors but also for the benefit of our own community. The Island Games gives us a springboard. It can be a source of national pride as the Island works together to make it a success. It can also be an inspiration, leaving a sporting legacy', just like the London Olympics.

As the world starts to climb out of recession it gives Jersey a reason to be optimistic. On a more personal scale, it will give people of all ages an incentive to do something different, perhaps encouraging them to volunteer or maybe even inspiring them to pick up a racquet, join a club or try a new sport. We hope these will become habits for the rest of their lives.

This sport strategy is perfectly timed to help make that happen. It is about preparation, participation and legacy, and how those things can make our Island fit for the future.

Deputy Roy Le Herissier,  Assistant Minister  Education, Sport & Culture  October 2013

What Jersey people said 5

Funding and Investment 21

USING THE POWER OF SPORT

Without doubt, sport is an important and valued part of Jersey life. The evidence is all around us and in the media every day.

We also know this because Islanders say that sport in Jersey matters. In early 2013 a wide variety of people took part in a consultation on the subject. Whether they were competitive athletes who represent the Island or people who enjoy simple activities like walking or cycling, their message was very clear: we need to do more to support sport.

So we start from a strong position. There is much to celebrate. Many sports have impressive achievements in local, national and international competitions. We now have an opportunity to capitalise on two things; the existing enthusiasm for sport and the potential of a major international event.

This is why a co-ordinated sport strategy is essential.

It will help strengthen our preparations in the run-up to the prestigious games. It will also help raise the profile of sport and enthuse our community to get involved. The focus on sport will boost support for the Jersey team and others who are representing the Island at a high level. Just like the London Olympics, this can have a major impact on national pride.

We need the legacy of the Island Games to extend beyond the summer of 2015. More and

more people recognise that taking part in physical activity is not only good for individual children and adults, it also has a positive impact on our community, particularly in terms of social cohesion, economic activity and the cost of medical care.

There is also recognition in Jersey, but also further afield, that our modern environment and lifestyles are creating health problems for the future.

As recently as May 2013 medical experts predicted that if current trends continue nearly half of

all British men and more than a third of women will be obese in the next 30 years. This will lead to a rise in related illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and strokes – and, inevitably,

a rise in health care costs.

We are already facing higher medical bills because of our ageing population. But, unlike the effects of growing old, obesity-related illnesses are preventable. We can take steps to reverse the trend. That is why a focussed sport strategy promoting physical activity in all its forms is now an essential part of government planning for the future. An active population is more likely to be a healthy population with a better quality of life.

Jersey sport is already thriving and we have many success stories. But there are also gaps. We need to ensure that sport is available to everyone in the Island in a way that engages them and becomes a regular part of their life. To do that we need a new approach.

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The most important step will be the creation of a new body designed to champion sport, increase opportunities for those who already take part and introduce new, inspiring plans to engage those who do not. This new group, independent of the States, will be led by people who are passionate about sport and share the vision for a more active Jersey.

This document also identifies the other important priorities. It focusses on filling the gaps and tackling the issues raised in the consultation. These include swimming ability, essential for an island, and engaging groups that are under-represented in sport or not currently taking part

at all. However, the development of sport in Jersey will have to be an on-going process. As the economic and social landscape changes over the next ten years, new priorities will emerge.

WHAT JERSEY PEOPLE SAID

Between March and May 2013 we asked islanders for their views about sport. The aim was to update the previous sport strategy and set a clear direction for the future. Four key questions were posed to tackle the major challenges faced by people who take part in or organise sport in Jersey. The content of the strategy is based on the views expressed.

The main findings of the consultation were:

  76% said we need to change how sport is organised

  The survey results showed considerable concern about the level and distribution of States funding.

There was support for the creation of a vision and long-term plan to implement the strategy.

  64% said we need a new organisation to oversee sport

  A new co-ordinating body was regarded, overall, as a necessary step towards providing a strong

independent voice for the sporting community. It was envisaged as a dynamic, high-profile organisation for promoting sport and participation but with adequate funding and a minimum of bureaucracy.

  67% said we need a new model for sport development

  Suggestions included the reorganisation of the current system of sports development officers so

that expertise is more widely available. Also the creation of a Centre for Excellence, more support for schools and more community work.

  69% said the States should continue to run its current sports facilities

  Users praised the States-owned centres - Fort Regent, Les Quennevais and Springfield – as well

as the Exercise Referral and the Active card schemes. Concerns were expressed about the level of maintenance, prices and affordability. Privatisation or outsourcing were not supported.

The Sport Strategy Consultation document can be found at www.gov.je/consult

OUR IMPACT

ESC and sports clubs in Jersey are already active and successful. In aiming to be Fit for the future the Island has a strong base to work from:

Jersey has more than

260 sports clubs

or organisations offering more 65 activities than

States sports centres at Fort Regent, Les Quennevais and

1.27 million visits in 2012

ISnpri n2gfie0ld1ha 1d  just under 300 young athletes and many teams represented Jersey in national or international competitions

Jeand rsIe sy 2lwa8on nb2d3r oGgnoazelmda te mths ee  2i dn 0a  1Bl 3se ,Nr 2ma9 tusWidlveaestr s Nearly 1,000 people take part in the

Exercise Referral

Approximately 6%progrof amme every theIsland's year

population have an

Active card

STARTING BLOCKS

The aims of Jersey's Fit For The Future strategy are to:

Encourage more islanders to take part more often in physical activity

Inspire young people to make sport a habit for life

Use sport to develop social cohesion and positive behaviour Use sport and physical activity to improve health

Support our most talented athletes and raise Jersey's profile in national and international competitions

THE PLAN

The strategy focuses on four key areas. These reflect the main challenges

highlighted in the consultation in early 2013.

1. ORGANISATION

  Our Ambition: To give sport a stronger voice' in Jersey and  a new strategic direction.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Create a new  •  Form a working party in Autumn  •  Sport in Jersey will have a new co-ordinating body  2013 to define the structure and  champion', a high-profile body operating independently  role of the new body. to represent its interests and

but with financial support  •  Consider recommendations and  promote sport.

from the States. It will  confirm clear terms of reference  •  Awareness will be raised and more also have the ability to  and responsibilities. islanders encouraged to be active. generate its own funding. •  Provide resources to set up and  •  Communication in the sporting

run the organisation.

community will be improved.

• Provide funding to support on-going

development of sport.  •  Clubs and associations will have

better support.

• Launch the new body by January 2015.

• Accountability will

• Ensure strong links with the NatWest

be clearer.

Island Games 2015 organising

committee.

2.GETTING ACTIVE,

STAYING ACTIVE

  Our Ambition: To help more islanders take up physical activity.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

• Create an environment  •  Build on the interest generated by the  •  More people who are most

that makes it easy for  2015 NatWest Island Games. at risk of health problems later people to be more active  •  Take sport to the people' – provide  in life will become active.

more often.  more opportunities for physical  •  Parents will set a positive

• Promote the benefits of  activities in Parishes. example for children.

a healthy lifestyle. •  Work with Health and Social Services  •  Obesity will be minimised.

• Further develop links  to expand Exercise Referral.

with health professionals. •  Fine-tune and develop the Active  •  More older people will participate.

• Explore new ways  card scheme. •  There will be a positive impact

to attract less active  •  Ensure staff and facilities are in place.  on the cost of medical care. people. •  Help sports clubs to increase  •  Active membership

• Keep prices affordable. membership, including disabled  will increase.

• Ensure strong links with  participants.

the NatWest Island  •  Organise and support more

Games 2015 organising  sports events.

committee.

  Our Ambition: To encourage children to take up sport at an early age.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

• Focus on the  •  Invest in PE and after-school sport  •  More children will take up sport development of  at primary and secondary schools. at an early age, especially girls. physical literacy in  •  Promote the value of PE in the  •  They will develop a sporting young children. school curriculum. habit for life.

• Increase the variety  •  Support staff and volunteers who  •  Long-term health

and quality of sport  work and school aged children. prospects will improve.

and PE both in school  •  Deliver professional training.

and after school. •  Quality of life will be better.

• Target schools with limited space  •  More children will enjoy or facilities.  PE and sport.

• Provide assistance from Sport

Development Officers.

 Our Ambition: To ensure all young people have opportunities  to engage in positive activity.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Support and expand  •  Provide sport activities in key  •  Social cohesion will be strengthened community sport initiatives,  locations in the community and anti-social behaviour minimised. targeting specific areas and  •  Target people who would not  •  There will be a positive effect on youth social groups normally participate crime rates and social inclusion.

• Tailor activities to attract  •  Islanders' health and young people well-being will improve.

• Provide increased resource

for the Community and School Sport Development team

 Our Ambition: To ensure all young people become competent  swimmers and are safe in the water and sea.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

• Focus on the  •  Invest in swimming programmes for  •  Barriers to in-school swimming development of  primary and secondary school children. lessons will be removed. swimming for all  •  Build on the existing programme to  •  All children will have

students in primary  ensure all primary school children  swimming tuition.

schools. have swimming lessons.  •  More children will be competent

• Support swimming  •  Increase the number of specialist  swimmers and safe in the water. clubs and associations  swimming teachers available to  •  More people will move on to

to develop a training  deliver lessons. other aquatic sport.

and improvement plan  •  Review pool use to ensure all schools  •  All schools will meet the

for young people  have access to facilities. requirements of the Jersey

to follow. •  Co-ordinate the swimming

Curriculum.

programme across all schools. •  More people will continue

• Provide logistical support for schools,  swimming as adults

including transport. to keep fit.

3. SPACES AND PLACES

Our Ambition: To ensure all facilities are the highest possible standard.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

States facilities: •  Invest £2.4 million in maintenance and  •  Facilities will be ready for

• Ensure the States sport  upgrades of States facilities, including  the NatWest Island Games  centres are efficiently run  at Fort Regent, Les Quennevais,  in Jersey in 2015.

and available to the whole  Springfield and FB Fields. •  Facilities will be maintained community. •  Review the Active scheme to ensure it  and more attractive.

• Invest in maintenance and  meets users' needs. •  Islanders will continue to use  upgrades. •  Enable community groups to use more  existing facilities.

• Provide services that  school facilities. •  New users will be attracted  attract more users. •  Increase the number of events held in  and participation will increase.

• Keep prices affordable for  ESC facilities.

groups and individuals. •  Invest £300,000 to buy and prepare

• Increase number of school  at least three new school playing fields.

playing fields. •  Confirm the future of Fort Regent.

Independent sports clubs:  •  Agree new leases to secure the long- •  Facilities will be maintained

• Help clubs develop and  term future of clubs that use States- and more attractive.

run their own facilities. owned sites. •  Clubs will expand and increase

• Assist with forward  •  Invest £700,000 in maintenance  membership.

and upgrades. •  More people will

planning.

• Encourage and assist clubs to have  use facilities.

business and development plans.

• Enter partnerships with clubs to  •  Sports clubs will

develop facilities. be sustainable.

 Our Ambition: To actively promote the development of new facilities.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Work with clubs,  •  Compile a long-term plan for new  •  Gaps in provision will be filled. sponsors and benefactors  sports facilities in the Island. •  Jersey will have up-to-date

to identify requirements  •  Identify priorities or sports that  facilities.

for major new facilities  are not adequately served at the

for the Island.  moment. Initial suggestions include  •  Cbe sharapital funding pred. oblems can

a gymnastics venue, learn-to-swim

pool and cycling velodrome. •  Clubs and sports people will

be involved in the future of

• Investigate opportunities for joint  their sports.

sites.

• Work with interested parties to develop feasible projects.

 Our Ambition: To increase participation levels by providing  new artificial grass pitches.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Identify school and  •  Agree an island-wide plan to  •  Pitches can be used more often community sites and install  develop artificial grass pitches. and for longer.

artificial surfaces. •  Invest £1.1 million in new  •  Capacity will expand to meet demand.

facilities. •  More people will be able to participate in

• Develop and manage new sites. football, hockey,

rugby and other sports.

• Maintenance costs will reduce.

• We will make better use of limited space.

4. PERSONAL BESTS

Our Ambition: To help Jersey's top athletes achieve their best

  possible performances in local, national and international competitions.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Support clubs, teams and  •  Support preparations for the 2015  •  Performance will improve and more individuals, including those  NatWest Island Games in Jersey. Jersey athletes will reach qualifying with disabilities, to develop  •  Provide financial support for athletes  standards.

training programmes that  to attend events. •  More Jersey athletes will win enable them to qualify  competition and medals.

for events including the  •  Support athletes on the High

Commonwealth Games,  Performance Programme by providing  •  Athletes will become good role Natwest Island Games,  services in conjunction with the  models for younger people.

Jeux des Isles and Youth  One Foundation. •  Jerwill be enhancsey's reputation ed.

Commonwealth Games

  Our Ambition: To increase sports tourism and events.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Develop a co-ordinated  •  Work with Economic Development to  •  Co-ordination of sports events programme of sustainable  maximise the potential for promotion  will improve.

and well-organised sporting  and sponsorship. •  More events will be held events that attract visiting  •  Establish a website for Jersey sport. bringing more economic benefit participants and spectators. •  Manage and update a calendar of  to the Island.

events and contacts list to help  •  More promotion of Jersey organisers. as a sport destination.

• Provide more support for  •  Visitor numbers will increase event organisers. for sport events.

• Expertise will be shared.

Our Ambition: To have an all-Island overview of how to improve  performance and participation.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

Develop a co-ordinated  •  Agree roles and co-ordinate  •  Sports Development Officers will programme of sport  work of the existing Sports  work with more young people. development for schools,  Development Officers . •  A wider range of sports will have clubs and the community. •  Provide extra funding for additional  access to their expertise.

Sports Development Officers. •  Standards will improve.

• Ensure co-ordination and best use  •  More young people will be of resources. motivated to continue playing

• Develop closer links between  sport after school, at

schools and sports clubs. weekends and during

the holidays.

  Our Ambition: To help sports clubs improve and work together.

To achieve this we will Over the next five years we will If we do this

• Encourage clubs to draw  •  Launch and publicise the  •  Clubs will have better forward up development plans  Jersey Clubmark scheme to  planning and higher standards with long-term goals.  ensure organisations are aware  of governance.

• Promote the Jersey  of good practice. •  The public will have clear Clubmark scheme,  •  Provide templates and assistance  expectations.

especially for groups  with forward planning. •  Safety standards will improve. with junior sections.  •  Continue to provide essential

• More coaches will be trained.

training and advice in first aid,

child protection and other  •  Membership will increase coaching courses. •  Performance will improve.

• Monitor standards.

FUNDING AND INVESTMENT

The States invests approximately £4 million a year in sport in Jersey. In 2013 the funding is allocated to:

To support the sport strategy an extra £6 million will be spent on sport in the next two years:

• £4.5 million of this will be used to improve facilities in preparation for

the 2015 NatWest Island Games and for use by the community afterwards.

• £1.5 million of this  Initiatives to promote participation:

will be for initiatives to  • Expansion of Exercise Referral 2014 £750,000 develop sport and increase  • Strengthening school PE

participation over the

next two years. • Strengthening school swimming programmes

• Support for clubs and associations

2015 £750,000

• Support for sporting events

Total £1.5 million

Contact us

Education Sport and Culture Department, PO Box 142, Jersey, JE4 8QJ

Telephone: 01534 445504

Email: sport@gov.je

www.gov.je

Photographs supplied by the Jersey Evening Post

EDUCATION, SPORT & CULTURE

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY FOR SPORT AND

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN JERSEY

2014 - 2018

www.gov.je