This year will be a big one for all levels of British sport. On the elite stage, we’ll be able to put the Ashes memories behind us by looking forward to four major events – the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the FIFA World Cup in Russia and the Ryder Cup in France.
At grassroots level, we will begin to see how the government’s Sporting Future strategy will reshape the UK’s sporting landscape. From changes in the way Sport England distributes funding to the new requirements in sports governance, it is clear that the ways in which sport and physical activity are delivered across the country are being radically reformed.
These shifting landscapes mean that SAPCA is evolving too.
One of the most important changes taking place over the next year will be the way SAPCA will reposition itself to become more customer-facing. There will be a new emphasis on helping those who are driving the UK’s sports facility projects – from clubs and local authorities to schools and private companies.
At the heart of this repositioning will be a new website, to be launched at the SAPCA Conference on 5 February. The website will act as a shop window for SAPCA and will also be at the centre of our new marketing strategy.
The programme of the Conference also reflects the modernisation process. The keynote speaker – under the title “Time for Change” – is Richard Tattershaw, a sports consultant and former business development director at the International Hockey Federation. Later in the day, Duncan Wood-Allum from The Sports, Leisure & Culture Consultancy will offer insight on the rapidly changing marketplace that is modern sport.
If you haven’t yet booked your place, be sure to do so on the SAPCA website: http://www.bookings.sapca.org.uk/conference-signup-2018/
The radical changes in the way sport is viewed by the government, and consumed by the public, will require action from our members. Being innovative and keeping up-to-date with industry developments will be crucial for the success of all businesses in the sports and play sector. As the industry’s trade body, we will be there to support those wanting to benefit from the opportunities ahead.
So here’s to 2018 – let’s make it a year of embracing change!