
Communities
We use a strength based approach to our work in communities, focusing on what’s strong - not 'what’s wrong'.
We connect and build relationships between people and organisations. This helps deepen our shared understanding about a place and the people who live and work there. Together, we can find ways for people to enjoy moving more in the area they live.
At Yorkshire Sport Foundation we are committed to fairness across our communities, and use our resources to engage with those who will benefit the most. To do this, we focus 70% of our resources in areas most experiencing inequality.
Since 2018 we have expanded our strength-based approach into 15 ‘priority places’. The learning from working in Burngreave, the Dearne Valley and others, helps us understand where and how our collaborative work can have the greatest impact.
This work has built a broader understanding of community 'place based' approaches to physical activity. Sport England have embedded this philosophy into the place partnership expansion approach through their Uniting the Movement strategy. We are now working with local partners to develop this approach over the coming years.
Our approach includes:
- Allocating resources proportionately, prioritising geographical communities and communities of interest who face the most inequality
- Taking a strength-based approach in our work with residents, the voluntary and community sector, and developing local active champions
- Connecting a broad group of paid workers, volunteers and residents. Bringing people together and providing a space for collaboration to take place
- Advocating for community voice at all levels, and unlocking potential within the system that affects local outcomes
- Working alongside community groups and residents to build on their existing capacity, skills and expertise
Reports:
Vidoes and podcast:
Activity finders
We are sharing finders in local areas to help bring people together with opportunities they might not know about.
Get in touch to find out more.
For more information on our communities work please get in touch:

Charlotte Ellis
Development Manager for Communities in South Yorkshire
07794 257611
charlotte.ellis@yorkshiresport.org

Lisa Moseley
Development Manager for Communities in West Yorkshire
07964 209316
lisa.moseley@yorkshiresport.org
Work we support in our communities
Leeds hosts groundbreaking international summit on community…
Community groups, charities and sporting bodies came together in Leeds to discuss how sport can be…
3 Oct 2025
Leadership Skills Foundation webinar for community providers
On Monday 6 October, community organisations are invited to find out how more about developing…
29 Sept 2025
Funding
The Government has announced £150 million for 95 areas through the Pride in Place Impact Fund.
26 Sept 2025
Rotherham set to celebrate with a weekend of fun at the…
Rotherham is gearing up for a weekend of celebration, creativity and family fun as the beloved…
1 Sept 2025
Campaigns
Powered by you! - ukactive gets ready for National Fitness…
Taking place on Wednesday 24 September 2025, National Fitness Day will see millions of people of all…
8 Aug 2025
Press
Mayor Oliver Coppard champions South Yorkshire’s…
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has signed a landmark agreement to boost sport and physical…
17 Jul 2025
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