Sport and the third sector

Two women playing football
Sport brings great benefits to communities. It plays an important role in tackling health inequality, social exclusion and community cohesion.

The vast majority of community sport is delivered by voluntary and community organisations, however sport clubs are often seen as outside the third sector - meaning many don't benefit from the wide range of support and advice NAVCA and its members can offer.

Together third sector organisations and those involved in sport can generate synergy, share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources to improve their effectiveness and reach. All of this is vital if we are to provide more opportunities for people who face disadvantage and social exclusion to benefit from participation in sport. With the London 2012 on the horizon, sport will become more prominent in the media and in communities. Third sector organisations need to link into this if we are to leave a legacy beyond 2012. NAVCA believe this project is one way to achieve this.


Sport England is the Government agency responsible for developing a world-class community sport system.


These resources are provided by the Strategic Sports Partnership Project - based at NAVCA and supported by Sport England.