The benefits of participating in sport are well documented. It not only delivers improved health benefits to participants but also has the advantage of improving social interaction and developing long-term friendships. However for many it is important to have a final outcome rather than just play.

Therefore central to your club is the playing programme. This is a combination of coaching, training and competition. It varies from sport to sport. NGB’s realise the importance of getting the playing programme right for children and young people and many are making recommendations based on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model in their respective sports.

Competition is often what attracts people to join a club and keeps them in membership. Each person wants to enjoy the sport at their own level; many want to improve their skills; some want to engage in competition with others. Some just want the social interaction but most members will also enjoy some social events with their friends at the club.

In this section there is information on:

•  Competition programme;
•  Club/community/school links;
•  5 x 60 programme;
•  Long Term Athlete Development; 
•  Disability Sport Wales;
•  Who Can Help ?

For your club to be successful it is vital that the pathways and structures in place enable people to learn basic skills, to participate at a level at which they are comfortable, to develop their competence and if desired perform at the highest level possible.