"To advance in life and help especially, but not exclusively, disadvantaged young people through the provision of sporting, recreational, and leisure time activities."
"To advance in life and help especially, but not exclusively, disadvantaged young people through the provision of sporting, recreational, and leisure time activities."
Opportunity Sports Foundation was established in 2011 by ex-professional footballer Norman Bell (right) and his son Andrew Bell (left) also an ex-professional footballer. Following their careers as professional athletes they gained significant experience of dealing with disadvantaged young people through careers as a youth workers and coaching looked after children, homeless individuals and young offenders. Due to government cuts in 2010 there was a void left for sporting activities that disadvantaged young people could engage in. Youth Inclusion Projects (YIPS) were closed and it became apparent that to sustain the fantastic work and visible benefits achieved through sport, OSF would need to obtain charity status. This would offer the opportunity to gain funding and source numerous grants for OSF’s sporting projects. Charity status for OSF was finally awarded in June 2011. Following the experience gained by the founders and contacts made during the time spent as Youth Workers, OSF has managed to target those most at need, living in extremely deprived wards of the North West.
Our Mission Statement… To advance in life and help especially, but not exclusively, disadvantaged young people through the provision of sporting, recreational, and leisure time activities. These activities will be provided in the interest of social welfare to increase the capacities and capabilities of young people so that they can positively participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
Our Vision… Our ultimate goal is the all-round development of the latent potential of young people mainly, but not only, through sporting activities. We see sport as an innovative and positive vehicle that will develop life skills to full potential. OSF will provide young people of the North West, with long-term real opportunities that will reduce unemployment, advance their education, increase their health and wellbeing, and most importantly change their lives.
Why OSF Is So Effective… OSF is particularly effective because of the team of staff, coaches and volunteers that we have on board. Over the years OSF has built up fantastic contacts and we can offer the opportunity to sign post young people via multi agency working. We have developed a unique rapport with the young people we work with and we pride ourselves in understanding their behavioural issues, disabilities, anger issues and individual circumstances and dealing with these in appropriate but fair manner. We are inclusive of all and do not discriminate against anyone, to conclude our main aim is to make sessions fun, active, inclusive and enjoyable for allour participants
