Buddle celebrates a year of supporting community sport

Buddle is celebrating one year of supporting community sport and activity providers.

Buddle is an innovative support hub, created by Sport England and funded by The National Lottery.

It provides free learning and support resources to community organisations that provide sport and physical activity, and is designed to help them thrive by giving them access to the tools they need to overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities.

Since its launch a year ago, Buddle has offered free, bitesize information, guidance and practical training, including workshops, videos, templates and online tools, covering all aspects of running a sport or physical activity club or group.

It’s inspired and supported volunteers, community clubs, groups and organisations and the professionals who work with them.

Buddle is an amalgamation of the words ‘buddy’ and ‘huddle’.

Buddy is the role Sport England seeks to play with organisations and huddle symbolises the coming together and collaboration required for clubs and groups to be successful.

Buddle builds on Sport England’s previous Club Matters programme, which was revamped and rebranded in 2023 in response to extensive consultation with its partners and existing users.

Buddle’s online resource hub and workshops are fun, engaging and appeal to all sorts of community organisers who are delivering sport and physical activity.

Buddle covers the key areas that delivery organisations need the most help with, including volunteer recruitment and retention, engaging participants, managing money, safety, welfare and wellbeing, facilities, and much more.

In its first year, Buddle has significantly grown its audience and become a trusted resource for thousands.

Buddle user Sophie Bartup, chairwoman at Barton Inclusive FC, said: “Buddle has been an invaluable resource, empowering our committee with the tools and guidance needed to enhance our governance and sustainability.

"Their support has been essential to us as volunteers ourselves, allowing us to focus on creating a positive, inclusive environment for everyone involved.

“Congratulations to Buddle on your first birthday! We’re so proud to have contributed to your journey and look forward to seeing you continue as a vital resource, championing inclusion and empowerment across the sector.”

To explore the range of resources Buddle offers, visit www.buddle.co.uk

Buddle boasts features like a dedicated section to celebrate the achievements of clubs and groups, a health check tool and a disability inclusion hub that allow organisations to self-assess how they’re doing, and guidance on generating income, being more inclusive, environmental sustainability, and culture and values. It also signposts to further support from other trusted experts.

Rosie Benson, Sport England’s head of clubs, said: “Our goal with Buddle is to provide an engaging programme where any volunteer or community group, club, or collective can find the support they need. It’s been amazing to see the impact over the past year and we look forward to continuing to build on this.”

Buddle remains at the heart of Sport England’s long-term vision to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity, Uniting the Movement. It aims to continue to evolve and support community clubs and organisations to be safe, inclusive, agile and resilient enough to secure their future and unlock the benefits of physical activity for everyone.

As Buddle moves into its second year, Sport England continues to listen to the needs of volunteers, community clubs, groups and the professionals who support them and will adapt the programme to meet their evolving needs.