Milton Keynes Council

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008 Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
M30632

Sports Strategy
Introduction 1
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
Regional Sports Vision 7
Background to Milton Keynes 8
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
The Learning Vision 10
Strategy Development 11
Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Position Statement 14
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Services Vision
The Sports Development Team 16
Function
Themes and Aims 17
Action Plans 18
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
of the Strategy

Xxxxxxxx

Learning and Development

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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
‘Developing Physical Education and Sport,
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
Promoting Health and Well-being’
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision 1. Introduction
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy This strategy provides a five-year vision for the development of Physical Education and
Aims and Corporate Priorities
Sport, and the Promotion of Health and Well-being in Milton Keynes. It sets out the clear
10 The Learning Vision
aspirations of Milton Keynes in becoming a ‘sporting city’ and identifies objectives relating
11 Strategy Development
to five key themes. It also provides a framework to act as a catalyst to lever funding from
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
a range of local, national and regional bodies. The document identifies the national,
14 Position Statement regional and local context of where the strategy is placed and states the current position
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure of Physical Education and Sport in Milton Keynes. The strategy will be reviewed on an
Services Vision annual basis, allowing for new developments to be added and progress to be monitored.
16 The Sports Development Team The review process will involve key partners from all sectors allowing widespread
Function
17 Themes and Aims
contributions to be received.
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy 2. Links to Cultural Strategy
Milton Keynes Council has developed a Cultural Strategy, covering a wide span of cultural
activities within the authority. The widest sense of culture is being embraced, both in
terms of material and valued dimensions. Activities such as sports, active recreation, use
of parks, open spaces, playgrounds and redways feature within the strategy as do the
arts, museums, media, libraries, heritage and tourism.
The strategy will be
The Sports Strategy, along with the Leisure Facilities Strategy, takes into account the
reviewed on an annual
services, facilities, activities and initiatives that add to the quality of life for Milton Keynes’
basis, allowing for new residents and visitors. They both recognise the crucial role of the voluntary, private and
developments to be public agencies all working together to add to the health and well-being of Milton Keynes.
added and progress to
be monitored Both these strategies will feed directly into the Cultural Strategy, ensuring that sport,
leisure, health, social and arts themes are embraced within the overarching vision of the
culture.

Both the Sports Strategy and the Leisure Facilities Strategy endorse the work already
undertaken since the inception of the Sport and Physical Recreation Strategy (1997-2002).
They are designed to complement each other and create a number of key linkages relating
to sport and leisure provision within Milton Keynes.

3. Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy

The Leisure Facilities Strategy sets out the clear aspirations of Milton Keynes Council to
provide leisure facilities for communities. It is a document allowing the Council to
appraise the level of current provision and its effectiveness of delivery to the people of
Milton Keynes. The strategy provides a plan and framework for the future, taking into
account the major population changes that are projected, and the likely need for either
enhancements to existing facilities or additional provision. The framework is essential in
order that existing facilities are not compromised in viability terms and that present
shortfalls are not exacerbated. The framework will act as a catalyst or lever for gaining
funding support from a number of external sources such as lottery funds, planning
agreements, not-for-profit and private bodies. The outcomes of the Leisure Facilities
Strategy will effectively inform local planning policies, such as the Local Plan or any
supplementary Planning Guidance procedures.
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

4. National Context Introduction 1

Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
In April 2000 the Government published its
National Context 4
strategy for the development of Physical Definition of Physical Education 5
Education and Sport over the next decade. Definition of Sport 6
This Department of Culture, Media and Regional Sports Vision 7
Sport (DCMS) and Department for Background to Milton Keynes 8
Education and Skills (DfES) jointly Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
produced document, ‘A Sporting Future for
The Learning Vision 10
All’ sets out a clear goal for the future: to
Strategy Development 11
ensure that every member of society is Key Themes 12
offered opportunities and encouraged to The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
participate, lead or manage in a wide Position Statement 14
variety of sporting or leisure activities. The Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Government goal has something to offer Services Vision
The Sports Development Team 16
all, whatever their age, gender, ability or Function
need. It also provides a broad base to a Themes and Aims 17
pyramid to ensure the development of Action Plans 18
talented performers across all sports. Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
of the Strategy

The publication in October 2002, from the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit and the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport, of ‘Game Plan’, identifies the ongoing
commitment to intrinsically link physical activity and health. Whilst not delivering a
different message from the overarching ‘A Sporting Future for All’, the focus is stronger
and more marked on the role sport can play in addressing the health and well-being of a
Local Authorities are
community. Combating the ‘couch potato’ and ‘creating the feel-good factor associated
with winning’ are identified in the long term vision, not just for the next five years, but up
expected to be
to 2020 and beyond. committed to the
value of Sport
The ‘twin track’ approach to a healthier and more successful nation is recommended, as is
the role of a Local Authority to bridge the gap between mass participation in active
recreation and the creation of international sporting success.

Mass Participation Linking Mechanisms International Success

Fun Talent Identification Success

Health

Economic Benefits Talent Development National Pride

The Government expects every Local Authority to implement ’Game Plan’, taking into
account the local and regional context and the wider ‘cultural aspects’ of each specific
area. Local Authorities are expected to be committed to the value of Sport, both for its
‘own sake’ and in the wider life of the community. The DCMS social inclusion action plan
PAT 10, provides valuable evidence of the role physical activity can play in combating
social exclusion and tackling the neighbourhood renewal agenda. ‘Fairness for all’ is at the
heart of the Government’s plan and is at the heart of the Milton Keynes strategy for the
development of sport over the next five years and beyond. Sport should continue to
remove barriers and maximise opportunity, to recognise and challenge inequality and to
create an environment in which everyone who wishes to participate can do so without
disadvantage or discrimination.
Page 4
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
The expectations of
each Local Authority
are now even higher,
with a stronger and
clearer focus on young
people…
To further emphasise the
Government’s commitment to
the development of a healthier,
more active nation through
enhanced Physical Education
opportunities is dramatic. An
announcement, in November
2002, of £459m to develop a
Physical Education and school
sport infrastructure is one of
the most significant
developments in recent years.
The investment will build on the
firm foundations of the Sports
Colleges and School Sport Co-
ordinator programmes (SSCo),
which are already showing a range of positive outcomes for both pupils and the local
communities they serve. New plans, to be financed by allocations made in the Spending
Review by 2006 include:
• The number of Sports Colleges rising to 400 nationally, with a Partnership Development
Manager (PDM) working full-time to manage each school sport co-ordinator
partnership, encompassing a number of secondary schools and their family of partner
primaries. The role of the partnership will be to develop community links with other
local agencies and clubs.
• The remaining secondary schools will each have a SSCo focussing on improving after-
school sporting opportunities and inter-school competition.
• Primary Link Teachers (PLT’s) and special school link teachers will increase to 17,000,
improving the quality of Physical Education in the curriculum.
• All 5-16 year olds will be ‘entitled’ to receive two hours per week of quality Physical
Education and Sport, within and beyond the curriculum, across an expanded range of
sports.
• Through the new ‘Step into Sport’ project, 8,000 pupils will be involved in sports
leadership and volunteering, running 500 primary school festivals for sport each year.
The emphasis of the overarching 2000 strategy has not changed, but the strength of
message, through recent announcements, has. The expectations of each Local Authority
are now even higher, with a stronger and clearer focus on young people, creating the right
environment within schools for the development of a healthier, more active community.
“…Sport is all about people and we need more coaches and teachers who can give
their time and talents…they need support from us…that is why investment is so
important. It is not just about more champions, it is also about healthier children,
more opportunity and keeping young people engaged and out of trouble. We’re
starting to make progress – this investment will ensure more young people benefit.”
(Tony Blair, November 2002)
It is felt that that the recent announcements and increased funding opportunities should
complement existing provision. This strategy is a statement of Milton Keynes’
determination that sport in education, sport in the community and sporting excellence
should contribute fully to the social, cultural, health and well-being of Milton Keynes, and
of the commitment to creating the right conditions for creating sporting success.
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

5. Definition of Physical Education Introduction 1

Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
Physical Education is defined as follows:
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
‘Planned, sequential instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity. It is designed Definition of Sport 6
to develop basic movement skills, sports skills and physical fitness as well as to Regional Sports Vision 7
enhance mental, social and emotional abilities.’ Background to Milton Keynes 8
(Health Academic, 2002) Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
The Learning Vision 10
Strategy Development 11
6. Definition of Sport Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Sport is defined in the Council of Europe, European Sports Charter, 1993 as follows: Position Statement 14
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Services Vision
The Sports Development Team 16
‘Sport means all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised Function
participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, Themes and Aims 17
forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels.’ Action Plans 18
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
of the Strategy

For this strategy ‘sport’ only includes those sports that are recognised by Sport England as
eligible for grant aid (see page 27). This would include both recreational and competitive
sport and would embrace participants, coaches, officials, administrators and spectators.

7. Regional Sports Vision

The South East Regional Sports Board was established in 2000. The Board is
representative of a region which stretches in an arc around London, encompassing the
Isle of Wight in the south, Kent in the east and Milton Keynes in the north. On …opportunities for full
establishment, this overarching body was tasked with identifying three priorities: participation in sport
and activity at all ages
1) The development of a regional strategy
2) To bring regional accountability into the development of policy
and stages of life are
3) To ensure sport plays its part in the policies of the Regional Cultural Consortium, the fully available to
Regional Development Agency and the Regional Assembly. everyone

The vision of the Regional Sports Board is of a region that is rich in talent and resources,
and where opportunities for full participation in sport and activity at all ages and stages of
life are fully available to everyone. From this vision, the Board has subsequently identified
6 themes as the framework around which actions will be developed over the coming years.
These 6 themes are:

1) People in Sport - ensuring that everyone has the best possible opportunity to
participate in sport
2) Education - ensuring that the school experience provides an effective foundation for
life-time participation
3) Regeneration and Healthy Communities - emphasising the role that sport can play in
the development of sustainable communities
4) Sport in the Natural Environment - ensuring that sport is part of sustainable planning
for recreation and conservation
5) The Development of Excellence - by making provision for everyone to reach their full
potential
6) Europe and International Links - by enhancing these links.

Milton Keynes recognises the national and regional context in which it is placed, yet will,
within its own corporate objectives, develop a Sports Strategy appropriate for the unique
community of Milton Keynes.
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
8. Background to Milton Keynes
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
In 1967 the Government announced that a new city would be built halfway between
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
London and Birmingham. The new city was planned in an area that included the existing
6 Definition of Sport towns of Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Wolverton, thirteen villages and around 40,000 people.
7 Regional Sports Vision Most of the population live in the new city. The surrounding rural area accounts for
8 Background to Milton Keynes approximately two thirds of the geographical area of the borough but only 20% of the total
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy Milton Keynes population. Within the rural area are the towns of Olney, Newport Pagnell
Aims and Corporate Priorities
and Woburn Sands, together with a number of villages, each of which has its own identity
10 The Learning Vision
and character.
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
Since 1967 Milton Keynes has expanded rapidly. The 2001 Census results showed the
14 Position Statement current population at an estimated 212,020 with a further substantial increase likely of
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure 4,000 each year to a total population of 248,090 by 2011.
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
The Borough of Milton Keynes is one of the fastest growing districts in the country,
Function
17 Themes and Aims
beaten only by Forest Heath in Suffolk (with a population of 70,800). Expansion beyond
18 Action Plans the projected 244,000 is still an issue with a growth of up to 900,000 homes in the South
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope East, excluding Greater London, according to the recently published Milton Keynes and
of the Strategy South Midlands Study (September 2002).

Milton Keynes has been economically successful and continues to develop as a regional
centre. Its rising profile has been reflected in a new theatre and gallery and the continuing
expansion of retail and commercial leisure facilities.

The mobility of the population creates particular issues about support to families and
community coherence. Social dislocation is a key factor for many people who have no
longstanding family and friendship networks to draw on for ready advice and help. This
means that it is necessary for the Council and partner agencies to pay special attention to
community and leisure development in order to foster local capacity for providing support.

Using the 2000 Indices of Multiple Deprivation figures, the wards of Eaton Manor and
Woughton feature in the top 20% of the regions’ most deprived areas. Top 30% figures
identify Fenny Stratford and Campbell Park also. Relating to health and disability
deprivation, top 20% regional figures identify the same two wards of Woughton and Eaton
Manor as most deprived. Top 30% figures feature Campbell Park. Education deprivation
The Borough of statistics from the same source identify that 8 wards within Milton Keynes feature within
Milton Keynes is the top 20%; Woughton, Walton Park, Wolverton, Stantonbury, Fenny Stratford, Eaton
one of the fastest Manor, Danesborough and Campbell Park.
growing districts in
the country In summary, the following factors characterise
the residents of Milton Keynes:

2,444 Unemployed
22,380 Retired
10,178 of an Ethnic Origin
43,260 Young People

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Milton Keynes Council LA078638


9. Milton Keynes Community Strategy Aims and
Corporate Priorities
The provision of sport in Milton Keynes and the work of this strategy have an important
role to play in meeting the Council’s community strategy aims and corporate priorities.
Community Strategy Aims (2003-2013)
Corporate Priorities (2003-2006)
Sustainable and high quality
development
• Improving the environment
• Improving community leadership with
partners
A community for all
• Creating social inclusion
A healthy caring community
• Giving older people the help they need
to keep their independence
High standards in education and lifelong
learning
• Improving school standards
Sustainable and effective transport
systems
• Improving public transport
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
Introduction 1
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
Regional Sports Vision 7
Background to Milton Keynes 8
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
The Learning Vision 10
Links to the Sports Strategy
Strategy Development 11
Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Position Statement 14
Sport provides a focus for a community.
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Quality sporting/leisure provision helps Services Vision
communities to grow and mature. Sport is The Sports Development Team 16
delivered in partnership with communities, Function
Themes and Aims 17
ensuring maximum community
Action Plans 18
empowerment and therefore maximum
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
community participation. of the Strategy
The provision of sporting/leisure activities
can bridge generations and bring people
together, allowing a sense of ‘community’ to
develop with a shared vision and identity.
Sport is an effective vehicle to address Sport and physical
social disaffection, particularly amongst
activity adds to the
young people.
quality of life for all
Sport and physical activity adds to the
quality of life for all. It has the capacity to
create ‘the feel good factor’ and can
provide a community with a sense of
cohesion, belonging and pride. Sport cuts
across all social classes, backgrounds,
ages and beliefs and allows all to achieve.
Effective sports development allows the
whole community to reap the benefits of a
healthy active lifestyle. The new ‘Passport
to Leisure’ scheme will assist in
addressing the needs and access of those
socially excluded to leisure provision at
present.
Sport, in itself, supports lifelong learning,
whether in a formal educational
environment or within a sports-specific
setting. Children who take regular
exercise have been shown to do better at
school. School sport can raise people’s
standards of attainment and improve their
social skills and behaviour.
Promoting sustainable modes of ‘healthy
transport’ such as cycling and walking.
Supporting the development of a network
of facilities across the borough, focussing
on accessibility and sustainability.
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
Community Strategy Aims (2003-2013)
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
Corporate Priorities (2003-2006)
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy Links to the Sports Strategy
4 National Context Sustainable and high quality
5 Definition of Physical Education development
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision Housing that meets everyone’s needs N/A
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy • Providing affordable housing for those
Aims and Corporate Priorities
in need
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
A prosperous economy Sport can act as a catalyst for economic
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy development, attracting businesses and
14 Position Statement people to areas. Sporting excellence
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure attracts investment and status, creating
Services Vision kudos associated with a particular sport
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
and geographic area.
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans A safe community Targeted sporting programmes act as
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope diversionary activities, particularly for
of the Strategy young people. Sport can instil self-belief
and self-worth within an individual, can
ensure surroundings are valued and as
such can help to reduce crime. Sport
generally helps to keep people engaged
and out of trouble.
Sport can instil self-
belief and self-worth
within an individual
10. The Learning Vision
The learning vision in Milton Keynes is about a wide range of experiences and learning
opportunities reinforcing each other. In establishing the unitary authority for Milton
Keynes, a range of services were brought together in the Learning and Development
Directorate, because it was clear from wide consultation that local people wanted an
integrated approach to meeting need. These services include early years, schools,
community development, economic development, play, libraries, arts, the youth service,
lifelong learning for adults, museums, children’s (social) services and leisure services.

The vision is influenced by the Learning and Development Directorate’s Strategic Plan
(The Learning Vision) which is structured around four key success outcomes, relevant to
the needs identified by the Milton Keynes community:

Preparing for growth and securing a prosperous community

Promotion of social inclusion and anti-poverty strategies

Raising levels of achievement

Promoting community participation

This strategy will identify how and to what extent sport can assist in the delivery of
objectives and priorities and outline appropriate mechanisms to do so.
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

11. Strategy Development Introduction 1

Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
This strategy has been developed using a variety of consultation methods with
National Context 4
representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors of Milton Keynes and from Definition of Physical Education 5
regional and national bodies. A variety of reference groups were established to identify Definition of Sport 6
the focus of the document and the key strands. During the consultation period, key Regional Sports Vision 7
themes emerged, aims were developed and number of objectives identified. During the Background to Milton Keynes 8
consultation period also, a new name and strap line were created: Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
The Learning Vision 10
The Milton Keynes Sports Strategy (2003-2008) Strategy Development 11

‘Developing Physical Education and Sport, Key Themes 12

The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Promoting Health and Well-being’ Position Statement 14
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Services Vision

12. Key Themes The Sports Development Team 16

Function
Themes and Aims 17
1) Sport in Education Action Plans 18
2) Sport in the Community Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
of the Strategy
3) Sporting Excellence
4) Health and Well-being
5) Partnerships within Sport

13. The Vision for the Sports Strategy

“To offer a broad, balanced and quality Physical Education curriculum within schools.
To create sustainable sporting opportunities and pathways for all. To develop and
support talented individuals in the pursuit of their sporting goals. To promote the
social, economic, health and well-being benefits of physical activity to the whole
community of Milton Keynes.”
To create sustainable
sporting opportunities
and pathways for all
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
14. Position Statement
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
Key to the consultation process and the development of this strategy is ‘where are we
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
now?’ How far has Milton Keynes progressed since the inception of the Sport and
6 Definition of Sport Physical Recreation Strategy of 1997 and at what stage is Physical Education at within
7 Regional Sports Vision Milton Keynes schools? The position statement has been divided into three of the five
8 Background to Milton Keynes themes; Sport in Education, Sport in the Community and Sporting Excellence. The other
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy two themes of Health and Well-being and Sporting Partnerships are included and
Aims and Corporate Priorities
underpin the other three.
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy

14.1 Sport in Education

Milton Keynes has a solid Physical Education and school sport network. The Milton
Keynes School Sports Federation (MKSSF), established in 1999 through a start-up grant
from Sport England, is the umbrella body for sport in Milton Keynes. Made up of
representatives from the sporting community, it steers and develops curriculum-
Milton Keynes has a community sporting links and forges partnerships with key agencies across Milton
solid Physical Keynes. With a focus on inter-school competitive opportunities, support to talented and
gifted students and the provision along the sports development continuum, it acts as a
Education and school
key developmental body.
sport network
The Milton Keynes Physical Education Association (PEA) focuses on curriculum Physical
Education, raising attainment standards and the dissemination of good practice across
secondary school Physical Education specialists within Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes has a new Education Development Plan (2002-2007), identifying the
priorities and programmes of activity that will be taken to improve the standards of
education for all children. The plan is set within the wider context of the Directorate’s
Learning Vision to ensure coherence with the Council’s overall planning frameworks. Of
the seven identified priorities, priority six, ‘developing the skills of teachers and teaching
and improving the quality of the curriculum so that pupils’ learning improves’, has clear
activities supporting this priority relating to physical activity and specific actions
identifying the role of Physical Education and Sport.

Milton Keynes has a part-time Physical Education Consultant. The purpose of this post is
to challenge and support schools in raising standards in Physical Education and to
monitor standards across schools. In addition, the consultant provides support and
advice relating to the general provision of Physical Education and offers specialist advice
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Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

on such issues as continuing professional development of teachers, monitoring of Introduction 1

policies and statutory requirements, and the approval and monitoring of hazardous Links to Cultural Strategy 2
activities in line with the Council’s policy on educational visits and journeys. Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
Leon School and Sports College gained DfES Specialist School’s status in 1998 and is
Definition of Sport 6
currently in its second phase of designation. It plays a strategic role within Milton Keynes
Regional Sports Vision 7
in raising standards of achievement in Physical Education and Sport across the whole
Background to Milton Keynes 8
ability range. It is a focal point, locally, for excellence in PE and community sport and has Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
extensive links between families of schools, sports bodies and communities. Overall, its Aims and Corporate Priorities
access to resources, the development and spreading of good practice and its help in The Learning Vision 10
providing a structured pathway through which young people can progress to careers in PE Strategy Development 11

and Sport have all helped to shape the sporting community of Milton Keynes. Milton Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Keynes has a further ‘aspiring Sports College’, namely The Radcliffe School, Wolverton.
Position Statement 14
Submission of the application is due autumn 2003, with commencement of the status from
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
September 2004. Services Vision
The Sports Development Team 16
Milton Keynes has its own School Sport Co-ordinator Programme. Established in 2002 Function
Themes and Aims 17
and funded by the Sport England lottery fund, it is working to increase sports
Action Plans 18
opportunities for young people through co-ordinated Physical Education and out-of-hours
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
learning activities. Based within the specialist sports college of Leon, and working with of the Strategy
Lord Grey, Radcliffe, Redway and Sir Frank Markham Community School, a team of co-
ordinators are supporting their linked primary schools in the development of all aspects of
Physical Education and Sports provision.

The New Opportunities Fund Out of Hours Learning Project, Arts/Sports (2002-2005) is
delivering across the special school sector and all schools within Bletchley. Partner
agencies from the arts, rugby, badminton, hockey and basketball are delivering a range of
activities both on and off school sites, aiming specifically at Key Stage 2 pupils and their
teachers. A number of schools
hold awards for their
A number of schools hold awards for their commitment to physical activity and sports commitment to physical
provision. Sportsmark or Sportsmark Gold status has been achieved by five secondary activity and sports
schools, with three primary schools gaining the prestigious Activemark or Activemark
provision
Gold awards. 39 schools are registered with the Milton Keynes Healthy Schools Award
Scheme and working towards the national standards.

Milton Keynes delivers Sport

England’s Active Schools
programme and specifically offers
support, resources and guidance to
teaching and non-teaching staff.
An extensive Coaching for
Teachers programme offers
primary, secondary and special
school staff a variety of sports
specific coaching courses to
develop or refresh their skills. All
schools within the primary sector
have received training in TOP Play
and TOP Sport and have access to
resource cards and equipment.
Sport-focussed school cluster
groups are strong, with the sharing
of good practice, pooling of
resources and the concentration on
delivery within the ‘family of
schools’ as key themes across
Milton Keynes.
Page 12
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
The action plan will
form the basis of bids
to Sport England for
funding to deliver
projects to meet the
identified need
Milton Keynes has two Outdoor Education Centres, The Caldecotte Project which is both a
residential and a day centre and is situated within Simpson, Milton Keynes, and Longrigg
Residential Centre which is situated in The Lake District. Both centres offer a range of
outdoor, residential and environmental education to schools and youth groups throughout
Milton Keynes. Programmes are tailored to meet the requirements of each group and
include elements of personal development, teamwork, alternative means of learning,
National Curriculum and inclusion for disadvantaged and disengaged young people.
Talent development is achieved through partnership with the Milton Keynes and Bucks
Youth Sailing Association and Milton Keynes Rowing Club. The Duke of Edinburgh's
Award is also developed at both centres and through partnership with numerous sports
clubs and schools in Milton Keynes.
14.2 Sport in the Community
Sport Milton Keynes, formerly the Milton Keynes Sports Council, is the independent voice
of sport in Milton Keynes. Grant aided by Milton Keynes Council, Leisure Services and
the Community Foundation it provides bursaries for talented sporting individuals, start-up
grants for voluntary sports clubs and general grants for the development of sporting
opportunities. It organises the annual ‘flagship’ sporting event ‘The Milton Keynes Sports
Achiever of the Year’ awards and provides advice, support and guidance to its member
clubs on a variety of topical issues. In addition to the funding available through Sport
Milton Keynes, in excess of 75 sports organisations have received funding through the
Sport England lottery funded Awards for All programme. Revenue grants of between
£500-£5,000 continue to be accessed by schools and clubs through this scheme, allowing
the extension of opportunities, the development of new initiatives and ensuring the safety
of participants.
Milton Keynes is a member of the
South East Sport Action Zone
(SESAZ), a consortium of
authorities, designed to address
sporting deprivation in the most
socially and economically deprived
areas of the region. The SESAZ is
a proactive initiative to create an
effective and sustainable sporting
infrastructure to ensure there is a
more equitable participation in
sport. The Zone is attempting to
raise aspirations and empower
local communities to participate in
activities on their terms. Dedicated
support is received from Sport
England to facilitate local staff and
partnerships to undertake a
recreational needs assessment
from which an action plan will be
developed. The action plan will
form the basis of bids to Sport
England for funding to deliver
projects to meet the identified
need.
Milton Keynes has an established Coach Registration Scheme. The scheme has in excess
of 1,000 members, consisting of coaches, leaders, teachers, volunteers and students
working in a variety of junior-based ‘leisure settings’. The scheme rewards those, via an
identification card, who have completed a comprehensive training programme including
courses on child protection, working with children, first aid, sports-specific national
 Page 13

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

governing body awards and Introduction 1

the completion of a Criminal Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Record Bureau check. This Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3

is one of a number of National Context 4

Definition of Physical Education 5
initiatives, designed to
Definition of Sport 6
safeguard young people,
Regional Sports Vision 7
and to demonstrate the
Background to Milton Keynes 8
crucial role sports Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
‘volunteers’ play in the Aims and Corporate Priorities
development of sport in The Learning Vision 10
Milton Keynes. Strategy Development 11
Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
An established Community
Position Statement 14
Information Network (COIN)
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
is hosted within the Library Services Vision
Service. This offers a The Sports Development Team 16
comprehensive database of Function
Themes and Aims 17
leisure activities across
Action Plans 18
Milton Keynes, including
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
what, where and how much of the Strategy
activities cost.

A variety of community leisure facilities are provided across Milton Keynes, offering a
plethora of wet/dry and formal/informal recreational opportunities. A number of innovative
management arrangements have been established offering residents accessible, local and
affordable participatory opportunities. Individual sites have embraced ‘centre of Individual sites have
excellence’ status and focus on the development of specific sports and their participants, embraced ‘centre of
e.g. Brook End Sports Centre, Cricket; Stantonbury Campus Leisure Centre, Swimming excellence’ status and
and Basketball. Community Centres/Meeting Places/Sports Grounds are in abundance, focus on the
many run by management groups made up of local residents. Available for hire, they act development of
as a truly local venue for a variety of leisure activities. School facilities also provide
‘community access’ and have become an integral part of leisure provision in Milton
specific sports
Keynes. The ‘wider use’ grants programme helps to maximise use of school and
community buildings, offering users subsidised block booking fees and with the host
facility receiving the monetary difference. The role of private operators in providing
leisure opportunities should also be noted. In excess of 10 sites, their role is becoming
increasingly important and forms part of the ‘leisure jigsaw’ of Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes is the largest partner in the Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Partnership.
Its primary function is to deliver the Active Sports Programme; a lottery funded national
sports development framework, co-ordinated at a county level and delivered locally.
Focussing on three strands; more participants, more ‘child-friendly’ clubs and more
coaches it is key to the continued development of sporting opportunities within Milton
Keynes. Delivery is concentrated on nine core sports; Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Girls’
Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby Union, Swimming and Tennis, with further sports
benefiting from the good practice developed through the programme and the ‘joined-up’
approach to delivery.

Milton Keynes has two designated Active Communities projects funded through the Sport
England Lottery Funded Active Communities Development Fund. Active Communities
Bletchley (Eaton Manor and Fenny Stratford) and Active Communities Woughton
(Woughton Parish) both have designated officers, based in the community, to design,
develop and deliver community leisure activities for targeted populations. Both projects
have physical activity, health and well-being at the heart of the initiative and recognise the
need for sustainable, community-driven programmes, focussing on the complete age-
range, not solely young people. Both areas are ‘test beds’ for activities and have
successfully forged relationships with community development and regeneration and are
addressing a variety of ‘cross cutting’ social issues, using sport/leisure/health as the
vehicle.
Page 14

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
14.3 Sporting Excellence
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
Milton Keynes hosts two National
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
Governing Body headquarters; English
6 Definition of Sport Hockey at the National Hockey
7 Regional Sports Vision Stadium and the Badminton
8 Background to Milton Keynes Association of England at the National
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy Badminton Club. Both provide the
Aims and Corporate Priorities
Milton Keynes community with the
10 The Learning Vision
highest possible standard of facility to
11 Strategy Development
participate and spectate, and attract
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
national and regional competition on a
14 Position Statement regular basis. The National Hockey
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure Stadium plays host to regular
Services Vision international events, including pre-
16 The Sports Development Team
Olympic qualifying tournaments. Both
Function
17 Themes and Aims
bodies provide access to ‘role models’
18 Action Plans and offer invaluable guidance on the
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope development of the specific sports at a
of the Strategy local level.

Milton Keynes plays host to three professional sports clubs. The Milton Keynes Lions
Basketball Team, grant aided by Leisure Services, provides competitive national league
basketball at Bletchley Leisure Centre. The extensive basketball in the community
programme offers coaching and player development opportunities at schools and leisure
facilities around Milton Keynes for male and female, recreational and competitive players.
The MK Lightning Ice Hockey Team offer a comprehensive schools-based ‘ice sports’
programme as well as English premier League matches at their home, Planet Ice.
Wimbledon Football Club’s imminent relocation to Milton Keynes and its established
Football in the Community programme is providing the community with a whole host of
initiatives, both youth and adult focussed, offering the large fan base of Milton Keynes a
The development of club to support and the creation of a ‘footballing identity’.
six ‘focus sports’;
Football, Hockey, The development of six ‘focus sports’; Football, Hockey, Netball, Basketball, Swimming
Netball, Basketball, and Badminton is ensuring resources are targeted to maximum effect. With sports-
Swimming and specific development plans in place, governing body support and focussed officer time,
opportunities for participation, along the complete sports development continuum, are
Badminton is ensuring
readily available. Particularly focussed on young people, a programme of talent
resources are targeted identification and development along with competitive opportunities through district
to maximum effect squads and the Thames Valley Youth Games are all contributing to the development of
young Milton Keynes athletes who have the ability and the desire to succeed in their
chosen sports.

Milton Keynes has a devoted Cycling Officer with the responsibility to develop leisure,
competitive and commuter cycling initiatives within the borough. Cycling within Milton
Keynes is seen not solely as mode of transport, but a leisure pursuit, bringing a wealth of
health benefits to its participants. Cycling forms part of the Sustainable Integrated
Transport Strategy for Milton Keynes, focussing on the encouragement of cycling and
walking to reduce journeys by car to promote a healthier lifestyle. Cycling is delivering a
number of key actions relating to redway improvement, signage of routes, training within
schools and the creation of a Cycling Centre of Excellence for sports cycling within Milton
Keynes.
 Page 15

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

15. Milton Keynes Council Leisure Introduction 1

Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Services Vision Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
‘To strive to ensure that the whole community of Milton Keynes has access to the
Regional Sports Vision 7
highest possible standard of leisure facility and that every individual has the
Background to Milton Keynes 8
opportunity to participate in the activity of their choice, at the level of their choice
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
leading to greater well-being.’ Aims and Corporate Priorities
The Learning Vision 10
Strategy Development 11
Leisure Services currently plays a key role Key Themes 12

in the facilitation and enabling of sport and The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Position Statement 14
leisure opportunities within Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
The service consists of two teams; Leisure Services Vision
Facilities and Sports Development. The The Sports Development Team 16
primary function of the Leisure Facilities Function

team is to monitor the management Themes and Aims 17

Action Plans 18
arrangements for the Council’s leisure
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
centres, swimming pools, sports grounds, of the Strategy
community centres and meeting places,
including direct management, local
community management, trust, lease and
contract arrangements.

A further function is to provide advice and support for the strategic development of new
leisure facilities, in conjunction with other Council services and agencies involved in the
securing of leisure provision.

16. The Sports Development Team Function

1) Supporting the curriculum delivery of Physical Education and developing curriculum- A further function is to
community sporting links within the primary and secondary sectors provide advice and
2) Supporting talented and gifted athletes in their sporting and personal development support for the
3) Supporting clubs within the voluntary and professional sector in the development of
strategic development
community sport
4) Providing and developing sustainable leisure opportunities for targeted communities
of new leisure facilities
5) Developing links between health, physical activity and sport, in conjunction with other
Council services and agencies, to address wider social issues.

The strategic and operational role of the Sports Development team is currently structured
around the traditional sports development model of ‘learning’ (foundation activity),
‘participation’ (fun activity), ‘performance’ (structured/competitive activity) and ‘excellence’
(elite activity). In addition to the traditional framework, the Sports Development team sees
‘health and well-being’ as an all-embracing theme, relating to the whole community and all
activity.

Health
Active Communities Active Sports Performance and
Excelling
(Participation) (Performance)
(Excellence)

Active Schools
(Learning, Foundation)

Well-being
Page 16
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
The Sports
Development team
directly delivers three
of the four stages
The Sports Development team directly delivers three of the four stages within the model;
Active Schools, Active Communities and Active Sports. The fourth stage (excellence) is
delivered in partnership with national governing bodies of sport, with the sports
development team acting as the link to ensure the talented individual progresses and
reaches their full potential.
Broadly speaking, the team delivers one of three themes of the traditional national
agenda; ‘More People’ (increased participation), and facilitates the delivery of ‘More
Places’ and ‘More Medals’. The Leisure Facilities team delivers ‘More Places’
(encompassed within the Leisure Facilities Strategy) and facilitates the other two. ‘More
Medals’ is delivered via partnerships through the national governing bodies of sport.
With the recent change in the Sport England strap line of ‘More People, More Places,
More Medals’ to the mission statement of ‘…fostering a healthier, more successful nation,
through increased investment in sport and active recreation’, there is also a change in the
focus of the work of the Sports Development Team. Whilst ‘More People, More places,
More Medals’ still stands as a statement, the need to address the health and well-being of
the community of Milton Keynes has become of paramount importance. Sport is
recognised as an effective vehicle to do this, and whilst health and well-being are the
underlying reasons for delivering programmes and initiatives, ‘sport for sport sake’ will not
be lost on the way.
17. Themes and Aims
The Sports Strategy (2003–2008) – Developing Physical Education and Sport, Promoting
Health and Well-being, has five key themes:
1) Sport in Education
2) Sport in the Community
3) Sporting Excellence
4) Health and Well-being
5) Partnerships within Sport
Although these themes have
been derived from national
and regional strategies and
link closely with the priorities
of Milton Keynes Council and
those of partner agencies.
Addressing the themes and
meeting the aims/objectives
within the action plans will
only be achieved through co-
ordinated, partnership
working and through clarity
of roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, the aims will only be met by means of local
schools, clubs, coaches, volunteers, development officers and facility providers working
together to find local solutions to local problems.
The remaining section of the strategy identifies an overarching aim against each theme. It
should be noted that many of the themes and aims are meant to dovetail together and that
they should not appear stand alone or isolated.
 Page 17

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

Introduction 1
Theme: Sport in Education
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Aim: To ensure all young people aged 5-16 years receive their entitlement of two Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
hours per week of high quality Physical Education and Sport, within and beyond the National Context 4

curriculum, by 2008 Definition of Physical Education 5

Definition of Sport 6
Regional Sports Vision 7
Theme: Sport in the Community
Background to Milton Keynes 8
Aim: To provide affordable, accessible sporting opportunities for the whole community Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
of Milton Keynes, creating a mass participation culture and sense of local pride
The Learning Vision 10
Strategy Development 11
Theme: Sporting Excellence
Key Themes 12
Aim: To develop Milton Keynes as a ‘sporting city’, creating pathways to excellence The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
and allowing individuals the opportunity to be the best they want to be Position Statement 14
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Services Vision
Theme: Health and Well-being The Sports Development Team 16
Function
Aim: To ensure physical activity is embedded within the Primary Care Trust Local
Themes and Aims 17
Delivery Plan, focussing on reducing inequalities and targeting areas of most need
Action Plans 18
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
Theme: Partnerships within Sport of the Strategy

Aim: Milton Keynes Council to establish effective, sustainable relationships with key
partners to ensure the sporting, leisure and health needs of the community of Milton
Keynes are met

Specific objectives have also been identified within the action plans, and, where possible,
timescales, responsibilities and funding issues have been noted. It has not been possible
to provide specific details for all of the objectives, as some programmes and initiatives
have yet to be announced or funding streams identified.

To develop Milton
Keynes as a
‘sporting city’
Page 18

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
18. Action Plans
18.1 Sport in Education Action Plan
Theme: Sport in Education
Aim: To ensure all young people aged 5-16 years receive their entitlement of two hours
per week of high quality Physical Education and Sport, within and beyond the
curriculum, by 2008
Objective Timescale Notes
1. To establish a baseline September Data to be collected, collated and analysed
figure relating to the quality 2003 on an annual basis, to allow year on year
and quantity of Physical onwards progress to be monitored against the
Education and Sport received overarching aim.
by 5-16 year olds
2. To gain one further School September Establishment of two partnerships, one
Sport Co-ordinator (SSCo) 2005 hosted by Leon School and Sports
Partnership in Milton Keynes College, one hosted by The Radcliffe
School (dependent on DfES agreeing to
this allocation). Funding to come from a
Formula Grant from DfES. The eligibility of
Milton Keynes to have two partnerships is
linked to the school expansion programme,
with an indicative figure of two
partnerships for areas of 11 secondary
schools or more. SSCo Partnership to
deliver against the national aims of
strategic planning, primary liaison, out of
school hours learning, school to
community and coaching/leadership.

3. To support the submission Application Linked to the reconfiguration of the

of an application by The – autumn facilities at the school, and appropriate
Radcliffe School, to become a 2003, status community access arrangements (details
Specialist Sports College to begin within Leisure Facilities Strategy).
September
2004

4. To support the second and Second Linked to the Active Communities

third phase of designation of
Leon School as a Specialist
Sports College
Phase ends Bletchley Project and the NOF Capital
July 2004 Investment Programme of a full-size
Third phase MUGA with floodlights. Further
application enhancements to the swimming pool,
due spring sports hall and ancillary facilities identified
2004 as a strategic proposal within the Leisure
Facilities Strategy.

5. To identify three Advanced
Skills Teachers of Physical
Education
From 2003 Ideal location of two AST’s would be within
– ongoing the Specialist Sports College network.
Role - to fulfil a city-wide advisory and
dissemination function, supporting and
developing the work of the part-time PE
Consultant.

Objective
6. To extend the existing Out
of Hours Learning (OOHL)
provision relating to sporting
activities
7. To support and develop the
Milton Keynes School Sports
Federation and the Milton
Keynes Physical Education
Association
8. To establish a city-wide
Gifted and Talented ‘athletes’
programme
9. To establish a city-wide girls
participation programme
10. To support the development September
of a ‘multi-sport Learning
Centre’ attached to Wimbledon
Football Club
Page 19
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
Introduction 1
Timescale Notes
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
From 2003 Existing NOF OOHL Arts/Sports will finish Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
– ongoing December 2005. Funding needed to National Context 4
continue this and/or similar project. OOHL Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
funding to be generally ‘twin tracked’ to
Regional Sports Vision 7
SSCo Partnerships, hosted by Specialist
Background to Milton Keynes 8
Sports Colleges. Suggested focus on
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
girls’ participation for new applications. Aims and Corporate Priorities
Links strongly with the ‘mutli-sport’ The Learning Vision 10
Learning Centre attached to Wimbledon Strategy Development 11
Football Club. Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Position Statement 14
Ongoing Focus on the engagement with the primary
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
sector, and on linking in with the SSCo Services Vision
Partnership. The Sports Development Team 16
Function
Themes and Aims 17
Action Plans 18
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
September Using the pilot model, from Leon School of the Strategy
2004 and Sports College, as a basis of delivery
onwards - Junior Athlete Education Programme.
Use of NGB’s of sport and professional
sports clubs to be explored. Links
strongly to the Wimbledon Football Club,
Learning Support Centre development.
January To explore the use of dance and
2004 expressive arts as a vehicle to address
onwards girls participation in physical activity.
Partnership between specialist Arts and
Sports Colleges to be explored, as is a
three-way partnership between Milton
Keynes Primary Care Trust, Milton Keynes
Council Sports Development and MK
Council Arts Development.
Temporary ‘home’ to be within the National
2003 Hockey Stadium. NHS to submit the bid to
Playing for Success. Long-term aim to
have a purpose built suite within new
stadium at Denbigh. Further funding to be
identified from a variety of sources
including SEEDA, LSC and Milton Keynes
Council. Links closely with OOHL and
Gifted and Talented objectives. The
initiative to involve more sports than just
Football, e.g. other professional sports
teams within Milton Keynes; Basketball
and Ice Hockey. Focus of usage will be on
young people with greatest need for
enhanced learning opportunities. Centre
also to host Adult Continuing Education
programmes of a sporting and non-
sporting nature.
Page 20
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
Objective
11. To support the development
of Outdoor Education
12. To support the development
of the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award across all secondary
schools in Milton Keynes
18.2 Sport in The Community Action Plan
Theme: Sport in The Community
Aim: To provide affordable, accessible sporting opportunities for the whole community
of Milton Keynes, creating a mass participation culture and a sense of local pride
Objective
1. To support and develop the
implementation of the
Passport to Leisure scheme
2. To establish baseline figures
for community participation in
sport/leisure/health related
activities
Timescale Notes
Ongoing Further development and enhancement of
facilities at The Caldecotte Project and
Longrigg. NOF Capital development of
High Ropes Course at Caldecotte Project
and building extension at Longrigg (details
within Leisure Facilities Strategy). Further
focus on the accreditation of young
peoples’ work through participation in
Outdoor Education.
Ongoing Focus to be on schools, with traditionally
little, or no uptake of the Award. Access
to the D of E Award to be made available to
all young people. Caldecotte Project and
Longrigg to remain the ‘hubs of activity’
for the Award.
Timescale Notes
April 2003 The scheme will promote and enable
onwards regular participation in active recreation
health-related activities, targeting a variety
of user groups. Discounts will be available
to Passport to Leisure holders across a
broad range of facilities and activities.
Participating facilities have agreed an
initial period of two years. Qualification
criteria are in line with the Council’s
Benefits Section and encompass Active
Communities Woughton and Bletchley
‘members’. Sports Development
programmes and initiatives to be included
within the ‘participating activities’ from
April 2003. (Links strongly to Leisure
Facilities Strategy).
January Little or no quantitative data on current
2004 participation figures within Milton Keynes.
Research to be carried out to create some
indicative baseline figures to allow
progress to be monitored over the next five
years. Suggested national figure of 30% of
adults regarded as ‘reasonably active’ (30
minutes five times per week) at present.
Once figures for Milton Keynes are gained a
target can be set. National target is 70% of
population to be ‘reasonably active’ by
2020.

Objective
3. To support and develop
Active Communities Woughton
and Active Communities
Bletchley
4. To initiate and develop September
Active Communities Wolverton
5. To remain a partner within
the Bucks and Milton Keynes
Sports Partnership
6. To support voluntary sports
clubs in their development
7. To develop the Coach
Registration Scheme
Page 21
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
Introduction 1
Timescale Notes
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Ongoing Both projects are funded by Sport England Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
and a variety of other local partners. National Context 4
Funding streams only guaranteed for five Definition of Physical Education 5
years (Bletchley April 2001 – March 2006 Definition of Sport 6
Regional Sports Vision 7
and Woughton November 2002 – October
Background to Milton Keynes 8
2007). The long-term sustainability of both
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
projects depends on accessing external Aims and Corporate Priorities
funding to develop the projects beyond the The Learning Vision 10
initial funding period. Strategy Development 11
Key Themes 12
Aiming for Active Communities Wolverton The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Position Statement 14
2004 to coincide with The Radcliffe School
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
achieving Sports College status. Also to Services Vision
deliver aspects of the Sports College The Sports Development Team 16
community aims and to support the Function
community use of the reconfiguration of Themes and Aims 17
Action Plans 18
leisure facilities on site (see Leisure
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
Facilities Strategy for details). Active of the Strategy
Communities project will depend on
appropriate funding streams being made
available and the identification of local
partners.
Ongoing The Sports Partnership has an established
wider remit than simply the delivery of the
Active Sports Programme (partnership
services, area youth games, county policy
board development, county-wide strategic
steering of sport). MK to remain an active
member of the partnership and to review
involvement on a year-on-year basis.
Ongoing Focussing on accessing funding,
recruitment and retention of coaches,
leaders and volunteers. Delivery through
the provision of training programmes,
advice and guidance, and directly through
the Partnership Services component of the
Active Sports Programme. Links closely
with the ‘Step into Sport’ initiative,
delivered through the School Sport Co-
ordinator Partnership and the work of
Sport MK.
Ongoing Established, with excess of 1,000
members, focussing on the protection of
young people and the raising of coaching
standards across all ‘activities’ within
Milton Keynes. Development dependent
on external funding for database
improvement, subsidising courses and
providing ‘incentives’ for membership of
the scheme. Linked to the establishment
of Smart Card Technology and the
‘Passport to Leisure’ scheme.
Page 22
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
Objective
8. To provide a comprehensive September
programme of adult-focussed
sporting/leisure activities
9. To support Milton Keynes
gaining Sport Action Zone
status
10. To support the development
of Sport Milton Keynes
11. To develop a programme
of community Sports
Development initiatives
12. To develop a community
cycling and walking programme
Timescale Notes
Daytime and evening provision required.
2003 Clubs, classes and courses to appeal to
onwards adult population. Wet and dry activities,
targeting populations, using ‘Passport to
Leisure’ as the vehicle. Maximum use to
be made of community centres and school
sites as well as traditional Leisure Centres
(links to Leisure Facilities Strategy).
2006 Member of the South East Sport Action
Zone (SESAZ), outcome expected as to
success of application April 2003.
Submission of SAZ status in own right
could follow the three-year designation of
SESAZ. Application therefore required
2006.
Ongoing Success of Sport MK relies on the
attraction and retention of volunteers to
steer the work. Sponsorship may be
required to further enhance their
programme of awards and bursaries.
January Focus to be on areas with limited provision
2004 at present, e.g. developing flanks (west
and east) and rural northeast. Funding
stream may include Children’s Fund. Links
strongly to predicted population growth of
developing flanks and the need to match
growth with provision.
January Links strongly to Health and Well-being
2004 objectives. Requires partnership working
with Milton Keynes Cycling Forum, Cycling
Officer, Sustrans and Cycling Touring Club.
Leisure Services to work in partnership
with Environment, Traffic and Transport
Section.

18.3 Sporting Excellence Action Plan
Theme: Sporting Excellence
Aim: To develop Milton Keynes as a ‘Sporting City’, creating pathways to excellence
and allowing individuals the opportunity to be the best they want to be
Objective
1. To support the establishment Spring 2003 Permanent home at Denbigh to be
of Wimbledon Football Club’s
move to Milton Keynes
2. To support the development
of professional sport in Milton
Keynes
3. To establish a rolling
programme of Milton Keynes
Council’s Focus Sports
Page 23
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
Introduction 1
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
National Context 4
Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
Regional Sports Vision 7
Timescale Notes Background to Milton Keynes 8
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
Aims and Corporate Priorities
established within three years. Relocation The Learning Vision 10
of the Club links strongly to the OOHL, Strategy Development 11
Gifted and Talented, targeting girls’ Key Themes 12
involvement in sport and Learning Centre The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
objectives. Key is the creation of a Position Statement 14
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
‘footballing identity’ within Milton Keynes Services Vision
and the ongoing support and development The Sports Development Team 16
of the Football in the Community Function
Programme. Use of role models to Themes and Aims 17
enthuse young people and develop a Action Plans 18
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
‘sporting city’. of the Strategy
Ongoing Support of ‘ice sports’ through the schools
ice sports initiative. Leisure Facilities
Strategy identifies the strategic need for
‘ice’ within Milton Keynes, but that the
current configuration of the Leisure Plaza
requires significant modernisation. Two
strands of usage of ice ‘excellence’ – MK
Lightning and casual ‘pay and play’ by
young people. Ongoing support to the
Milton Keynes Lions Basketball Team and
their position in the British Basketball
League. Their role links strongly to the
OOHL objectives, community sports
development provision ‘multi sport’
Learning Centre and the development of
an Indoor Arena within the stadium
complex of Wimbledon Football Club. Use
of role models to enthuse young people
key to creating a ‘sporting city’
April 2004 Review of existing six sports to take place
April 2003-March 2004. Thereafter, annual
review to take place to ascertain
sustainability and National Governing
Body desire to be Involved in their
development. Four new sports to be
included within the rolling programme over
a four year period (2004-2007); cricket,
rugby union, athletics and tennis. Order of
inclusion of new sports to be based on the
readiness of the sport to be focussed
upon, within Milton Keynes, and the extent
to which the NGB and clubs wish to work
in partnership locally. Order of ‘phasing’
out of focus sports to be based on the
sustainability of programmes and the …
Page 24
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
Objective
4. To create Pathways to
Excellence for talented
individuals
5. To develop and promote the
Free Access for National
Sports people (FANS) scheme
18.4. Health and Well-being Action Plan
Theme: Health and Well-being
Aim: To ensure physical activity is embedded within the Primary Care Trust Local
Delivery Plan, focussing on reducing inequalities and targeting areas of most need
Objective
1. To support and develop the
Healthy Schools Programme
2. To support and develop
‘Cycling to School’ initiatives
3. To produce a city-wide
strategy for tackling obesity
Timescale Notes
…capacity of local partners to take the lead
on their delivery. New focus sport
implementation timetable also to be linked
to capital improvement/location of facilities
e.g. Stantonbury Campus Athletics
Stadium and Indoor Tennis facility.
Ongoing The role of Milton Keynes Council to pull
together all strands to ensure pathways
are clearly defined and seamless; focus on
talent identification and development e.g.
linking mass participatory, community
based projects, with school-based Gifted
and Talented programmes, with Active
Sports, Focus Sports, National Governing
Bodies and elite involvement with
professional sports clubs and
representative squads.
January Suggested way of supporting elite athletes
2005 through free use of leisure facilities at off-
peak times. To be linked to Passport to
Leisure scheme. FANS would enhance
opportunity for Leisure Centres to use role
models to promote facilities.
Timescale Notes
September Working in partnership with the Healthy
2003 Schools Co-ordinator (MKC, Education).
onwards Focus on physical activity components,
healthy eating and use of sporting role
models. Leisure Services to seek
membership on steering group. Linked
also to objective of formal partnership with
PCT.
January Requires partnership working with Milton
2004 Keynes Cycling Officer, and Primary Care
onwards Trust to develop existing programmes.
Links closely to community cycling
objective and local Cycling Strategy.
January Focus on young people, but recognising
2004 the benefits of a ‘family approach’. Linked
also to objective of formal partnership with
PCT.

Objective
4. To establish a city-wide
‘Exercise on Prescription’
scheme
5. To establish a Cardiac
Phase IV Rehabilitation
Programme
6. To support Smoking
Cessation/Prevention
initiatives
7. To use sport as a vehicle to
raise awareness of ‘Safety in
the Sun’
8. To use dance as a vehicle to September
address health needs of
specific populations
9. To ensure ‘health
development’ themes are
embedded within the Sports
Development plans of all new
capital leisure projects
Page 25
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
Introduction 1
Timescale Notes
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
2005 To adopt the national standards framework Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
onwards across the whole of Milton Keynes, but National Context 4
recognising the need for there to be a pilot Definition of Physical Education 5
Definition of Sport 6
programme initially. Suggested pilot area
Regional Sports Vision 7
to be Active Communities Bletchley and/or
Background to Milton Keynes 8
Woughton. Joint funded programme
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
between Leisure Services and Primary Aims and Corporate Priorities
Care Trust to be explored. Suggested pilot The Learning Vision 10
of 12 months, 2004-2005. Pilot and main Strategy Development 11
programme to be linked with Passport to Key Themes 12
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
Leisure scheme. Linked also to objective
Position Statement 14
of formal partnership with PCT.
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
Services Vision
2006 Liaison with Milton Keynes Hospital The Sports Development Team 16
required. Funding avenues to be explored. Function
Themes and Aims 17
Linked to Passport to Leisure scheme and
Action Plans 18
‘Exercise on Prescription’ scheme. Linked
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
also to objective of formal partnership with of the Strategy
PCT.
Ongoing Annual use of national ‘No Smoking Day’
as a way of raising the profile of cessation
and prevention programmes. In
partnership with Primary Care Trust. Links
closely to the Healthy Schools and
‘Exercise on Prescription’ objectives.
April 2004 Use of sporting role models. Partnership
with Primary Care Trust.
Links closely to girls’ participation
2003 objectives. Three-way partnership to be
explored between Sports and Arts
Development and Primary Care Trust.
Focus to be on women and girls and black
and other ethnic minority populations.
Links to Passport to Leisure scheme and
maximising usage of community
centres/facilities (Leisure Facilities
Strategy). Key to ensuring success will be
Specialist Sports College(s) working in
partnership with Specialist Arts College
(Stantonbury Campus).
2003-2005 NOF PE and Sport allocation of £1,455,000
to Milton Keynes. Identification of a
portfolio of 8 facilities to receive
investment (Leisure Facilities Strategy).
Primary Care Trust involved in consultation
process to ensure the widest possible
benefits to the community, relating to
health and well-being.
Page 26
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008
1 Introduction
2 Links to Cultural Strategy
3 Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy
4 National Context
5 Definition of Physical Education
6 Definition of Sport
7 Regional Sports Vision
8 Background to Milton Keynes
9 Milton Keynes Community Strategy
Aims and Corporate Priorities
10 The Learning Vision
11 Strategy Development
12 Key Themes
13 The Vision for the Sports Strategy
14 Position Statement
15 Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services Vision
16 The Sports Development Team
Function
17 Themes and Aims
18 Action Plans
19 Activity Listings Within the Scope
of the Strategy
18.5. Partnerships within Sport Action Plan
Theme: Partnerships within Sport
Aim: Milton Keynes Council to establish effective, sustainable relationships with key
partners to ensure the sporting, leisure and health needs of the community of Milton
Keynes are met
Objective
1. To establish a formal
Partnership with Primary Care
Trust
2. To prepare a joint Physical
Activity Action Plan between
Milton Keynes Council Leisure
Services and the Primary Care
Trust
3. To contribute to the
implementation of the Local
Cultural Strategy including the onwards
development of any potential
partnership that emerge from
the Local Cultural Partnership
4. To forge effective
partnerships between National
Governing Bodies of sport
5. To strengthen partnerships
with local facility providers
particularly Leisure Centres
Timescale Notes
Ongoing Working towards the joint funding of a
Physical Activity Co-ordinator post.
Commencing September 2003. To deliver
objectives associated with the physical
activity Healthy School Standard and to
work in partnership with the Healthy
School Team, delivering a complete
package of health and well-being to
schools
Also, Exercise on Prescription Scheme,
development of a Tackling Obesity
Strategy and Smoking Cessation and
Prevention initiatives.
January The Action Plan preparation will form part
2004 of the work programme of the Physical
Activity Co-ordinator. Action Plan to focus
on specific health objectives, to attract
further funding and the creation of
sustainable programmes. Example
objectives within the Action Plan may
include;
• Prevention of type II diabetes
• Accident reduction in the elderly
• Mouth protection within contact sports
• Reduction in teenage pregnancy
• Reduction in suicide occurrence
Focus of Action Plan to be on areas of
greatest need to reduce health inequalities
(Active Communities Bletchley and
Woughton).
September Need to facilitate the inclusion of sport in
2003 any ‘cultural services’ debate
Ongoing Closely linked to ‘Pathways to Excellence’
and rolling focus sport objectives. NGB’s
integral to the development of focus sports
across the sports development continuum;
foundation, participation, performance and
excellence.
Ongoing To work in partnership with all providers to
develop innovative ways to deliver the
objectives of this strategy.
 Page 27

Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

Objective
6. To forge partnerships with
all appropriate agencies
Introduction 1
Timescale Notes
Links to Cultural Strategy 2
April 2003 Examples of cross-cutting partnerships Links to Leisure Facilities Strategy 3
onwards may include Leisure Services with: National Context 4

• Community Safety Definition of Physical Education 5

Definition of Sport 6
• Community Development and
Regional Sports Vision 7
Regeneration
Background to Milton Keynes 8
• Neighbourhood Renewal
Milton Keynes Community Strategy 9
• Thames Valley Police Aims and Corporate Priorities
• Connexions The Learning Vision 10
• Youth Service Strategy Development 11

• Youth Offending Team Key Themes 12

7. To establish an annual
Service Level Agreement with
Sport England
The Vision for the Sports Strategy 13
• Alternative Education Providers
Position Statement 14
• Adult Continuing Education
Milton Keynes Council Leisure 15
• Drug Action Team Services Vision
The Sports Development Team 16
Ongoing SLA to clarify roles and responsibilities, Function
Themes and Aims 17
priorities and strategic aspirations. Key to
Action Plans 18
the whole Sports Strategy, overarching
Activity Listings Within the Scope 19
aims and specific objectives. Key also to of the Strategy
the Leisure Facilities Strategy and to the
attraction of capital and revenue funds
relating to leisure provision within Milton
Keynes over the next five years.

19. Activity Listings Within the Scope of

the Strategy
Aikido Crossbow Lacrosse Shinty
American Football Curling Lawn Tennis Shooting
Angling Cycling Life Saving Skateboarding
Archery Disability Sport Luge Skater/Street
Arm Wrestling Dragon Boat Racing Modern Pentathlon Hockey
Association Football Equestrian Motor Cycling Skiing
Athletics Fencing Motor Sports Skipping
Australian Rules Fives Mountaineering Sailing
Football Flying Movement, Dance, Snowboarding
Badminton Gaelic Football Exercise & Fitness Softball
Ballooning Gliding Netball Sombo Wrestling
Baseball Golf Orienteering Squash
Basketball Gymnastics Parachuting Sub-Aqua
Baton Twirling Handball Petanque Surf Life Saving
Biathlon Hang/Para Gliding Polo Surfing
Bicycle Polo Highland Games Pony Trekking Swimming & Diving
Billiards and Hockey Pool Table Tennis
Snooker Horse Racing Quoits Taekwondo
Bobsleigh Hovering Racketball Tang Soo Do
Boccia Hurling Rackets Tenpin Bowling
Bowls Ice Hockey Rambling Trampolining
Boxing Ice Skating Real Tennis Triathlon
Camogie Jet Skiing Roller Hockey Tug of War
Canoeing Ju Jitsu Roller Skating Unihoc
Caving Judo Rounders Volleyball
Chinese Martial Kabaddi Rowing Water Skiing
Arts Karate Rugby League Weightlifting
Cricket Kendo Rugby Union Wrestling
Croquet Korfball Sand/Land Yachting Yoga
Milton Keynes Sports Strategy 2003-2008

Leisure Services, Community and Economic Development, Milton Keynes Council,

Saxon Court, 502 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3HS
✁

Leisure Services Tel: 01908 253379

Community and Economic Development Fax: 01908 253304
Milton Keynes Council E-mail: leisureservices@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Saxon Court Website: www.mkweb.co.uk/sportsdev
502 Avebury Boulevard
Milton Keynes MK9 3HS