Outcome 6: We improve opportunities to participate, progress and achieve in Sport

Current Context: In Angus we aspire to enable every athlete to fulfil their full potential and participate at whatever level they choose. At a performance level, Angus has a rich history in developing high performing athletes including representation at both Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Understanding the support our athletes require is essential as part of this. The local outcomes below are not just about performance sport, but also ensure our sporting system and opportunities are the very best they can be at every level for everyone across Angus.

For our volunteers and coaches, there are opportunities to progress through education, developing key skills and transitioning into employment or community opportunities. This can be through leadership opportunities, volunteering in clubs, modern apprentice schemes, Higher/Further Education courses and further opportunities for work experiences offered in partnership with the Developing Young Workforce programme.

With over 80 clubs across 22 sports there are vast participation opportunities at every level. Over 25 of these clubs offer routes to compete at regional, national, and international level. Many community clubs offer participation only opportunities reinforcing social, development and wellbeing benefits. Angus schools have a strong history of providing participation and competition opportunities for young people, at local, regional, and national levels.

Local Outcomes: In Angus we will...

• Map, develop and implement the support for local athletes on the pathway to performance sport

• Work with regional and national partners to identify opportunities to improve support for local athletes, coaches, and officials

• Support our young people transitioning from school and Further/Higher Education to community sport, through participation and competitive opportunities

• Provide a range of opportunities to allow young people to access local, regional, and national competitions to represent their school or club. Provide a platform for young people to improve performance and achieve both at and beyond school, fulfilling their potential at whatever level that may be.

Potential Solutions: We will strive to...

• Engage with Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure inclusion is implicit at all pathway levels

• Work in partnership to accurately signpost athletes to sports appropriate to their classification, talent, or disability

• Support community clubs to profile their achievements and progression locally, regionally, and nationally

• Further develop a culture that allows young people an enhanced extended school curriculum through participation in school sport.