Playing For Success

Playing for Success is a DFES initiative that encourages young people to develop educational skills, particularly numeracy and literacy, through sports activities. The programmes recognise that traditional classroom activity may fail to inspire some children and alternative options may need considering. The ‘Playing For Success’ programme has been evaluated to show significant improvements in reading and mathematical ability. Activities supported in Bridgend have included football, netball, athletics and gymnastics with future plans to expand the range of sports.

A grant from the ‘Big Lottery Fund’ has allowed the project to be developed and partnerships have been created with Football Association for Wales, Cardiff City FC, Welsh Netball Association etc. A separate grant from ‘Safer Bridgend’ has allowed the Sports Development Unit to develop a Playing for Success centre at Pencoed College.

The courses include a combination of sports coaching and classroom activity and participants are nominated by Schools, Youth Service and other organisations.