New ten-year sport strategy for Isle of Man launched

Eight key areas identified for work up until 2036

Government has announced the launch of a new ten-year Isle of Man Strategy for Sport running up to 2036.

It's highlighted eight key areas for growing sport on Island including hosting the 2029 International Island Games, maintaining and/or enhancing local sporting infrastructure and providing pathways for athletes to progress.

Officials also say this strategy will be implemented 'with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility', which will include installing energy-efficient systems across key facilities.

Furthermore, government says it's aspiring to 'deliver the greenest International Island Games to date' when the event returns to Manx shores in just over three years' time.

Among the other themes the plan hopes to deliver on are supporting participation in sport for all, 'improving governance' and 'embracing technology.'

Elsewhere, there are hopes to put in place certain targeted opportunities such as delivering programmes for adults with disabilities and offering pathways for young people referred by the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

You can view the strategy in full HERE.

Listed below is the eight key areas identified in strategy, including some of the main points from each area (the list of points from each area is not extensive)

1.) Host the 2029 International Island Games

• Seek capital funding to enhance the National Sports Centre outdoor facility portfolio, ensuring that international standards for certification are met
• Attract and retain new volunteers who continue to contribute to sport across the Island long after the International Island Games have been delivered
• Identify and provide funding to support International Island Games sports in preparing for the event

2.) Participation in sport and physical activity for all

• Provide accessible opportunities for all young people to take part in sport and physical activity in term time and during each school holiday period
• Provide a programme of tailored sport and physical activity opportunities for young people with disabilities and/or those who attend Specialist Provision Centres
• Support targeted delivery of sport and physical activity programmes at the Outdoor Learning Centre for young people facing socio-economic challenges.

3.) Heath and wellbeing

• Contribute to the delivery of Public Health Isle of Man’s core priorities; Starting and Learning Well, Living and Working Well and Staying Healthier for Longer
• Collaborate with the Community Wellbeing Service to expand the Adult Activ4Health scheme
• Provide accessible pathways through Activ4Health to support young people referred by the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service in engaging with sport and physical activity

4.) Sports infrastructure and facility development

• Develop business cases for capital funding to refurbish the National Sports Centre Athletics Track, Grandstand and the Bowl Pitch
• Work in partnership with the Football Association and Football Foundation to access funding to develop new 3G pitches across the Island
• Establish and develop a new Sports Hub in Castletown, incorporating new sports facilities at Castle Rushen High School as part of the school’s redevelopment

5.) Environmental and sustainable responsibility

• Access climate change funding to enable the implementation of green energy schemes
• Support Regional Swimming Pool Boards in delivering a decarbonisation programme
• Implement a recycling and waste reduction programme across facilities and events

6.) Education, training and governance

• Develop and deliver accredited qualifications and training programmes for the leisure, health and fitness industry
• Develop and deliver a comprehensive Coach Education Programme and continuous professional development opportunities for coaches at all levels
• Provide targeted training opportunities to promote inclusive coaching, safeguarding, welfare, and disability awareness

7.) Sporting pathways from grass roots to elite

• Work with key partners to ensure financial support is available to all athletes within our programmes
• Develop appropriate initiatives for athletes and their support networks throughout their career and beyond
• Support and assist Isle of Man Sport with guidance and information to determine how funding is allocated across recognised sports on the Island

8.) Digitalisation and service innovation

• Offer mobile-first member journeys, improve facility access, develop digital onboarding and improve customer communications
• Ensure all new digital platforms are accessible and user-friendly
• Use Artificial Intelligence to analyse usage patterns and inform scheduling, staffing and resource allocation