Finally! A Training Solution Designed Specifically for Busy Sports Organisations

Have you ever felt limited by the resources available to train and develop your staff, especially as a small or medium-sized sports organisation? We get it. CIMSPA data identified that the majority of sports organisations are defined as Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and as such have less flexibility to support and develop their staff.

That is exactly the challenge our Founder and Director, Simon Kirkland FCIMSPA (CH) , faced when he started as CEO of Basketball England ; the lack of readily available training solutions forced Simon to develop a number of in-house programmes. This experience became the spark that ignited Sport Structures – an organisation that can support the needs of sports organisations to grow. Simon named it Sport Structures as he wanted to develop the Structure of sport to become more sustainable and long-lasting.

Why are we Called Sport Structures? A Passion for Sustainability

The name Sport Structures reflects our core mission: Providing solutions that add value and drive positive change, reflecting the diverse needs of sport and physical activity. We're not here to just offer a quick fix. We're passionate about empowering your organisation to thrive by developing your workforce from the ground up. This dedication has earned us recognition as a CIMSPA 'Enhancing' Awarding Organisation.

Over the years, we've seen firsthand the dynamic needs of the sports industry, and with that, our offer has evolved to align with this need. We didn't want to just stick a plaster over 'training', so, we made a decision many years ago not to be a coaching provider but to develop the workforce so that organisations can grow and concentrate on the delivery of sport and physical activity.

We understand the unique needs of sports organisations. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of what we call "on-pitch" and "off-pitch" training solutions. Whether your staff are the ones directly coaching on the field, court, pool, or any other sporting venue, or they're the individuals working behind the scenes to make the magic happen in management, administration, and marketing – we have the training and support to elevate their skills.

More importantly, our philosophy extends beyond the simple 'course and forget approach. We want the organisation to be stronger in their ability to deliver their courses, workshops or qualifications. That's why we offer a staged process that combines course organisation with the development of in-house tutors and assessors within your organisation. This provides your team with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality training programmes that are tailored to your organisation's specific needs.

Apprenticeships: A Misunderstood Powerhouse

There's a common misconception, even at the highest levels, that apprenticeships are solely for those bypassing university. We believe apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for anyone, at any stage, in their sports industry career. We see the employment journey of people in the sector to be a matrix of small organisations where the members of staff will need training at different stages of their careers.

For example, the sector has a lot of graduates who have learnt about the Sport Sciences of Coaching but this does not prepare them for managing projects, and people or understanding the difference between Sport Development and Sport for Development. This is where management and leadership apprenticeships come in. These build confidence and knowledge while applying learning to the workplace. We have worked very hard to make sure our delivery is high on knowledge but is relevant to their work. Our high-quality delivery has been recognised by Ofsted for its strong industry relevance and partnership approach.

It doesn't just stop there. Did you know? As of April 1st, 2024, the Government fully funds the training costs for all apprentices under the age of 22. This means there's no employer contribution to their training, removing the financial barrier and making apprenticeships an incredibly cost-effective way to upskill your existing staff or bring in new talent.

A Blend of Online and On-Demand Learning

We've been at the forefront of online learning for over a decade, constantly evolving our offerings. From basic interactive activities to our current comprehensive online programmes with integrated assessments, that are based on years of learner feedback to continuously improve. We are continuously evolving this and have some exciting news for supporting the whole workforce with a flexible Learner Management System that will launch soon, so stay tuned for Autumn.

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you - this looks amazing. Superstars, all of you”

Julie Hayton, Programme Manager

Our Philosophy: Partnering for Growth

At Sport Structures, our philosophy is to support the growth of organisations. As experts embedded in the sport and physical activity sector, we understand not only the sectors' wants but more importantly, its needs. Contact Sport Structures today to discuss how we can empower your workforce and strengthen your organisation.