Club Development

How we Support Clubs 

At Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), we support clubs across Hertfordshire to be more sustainable and connected to their community, and to provide safe and inclusive experiences. Whether your club is looking for support with funding, safeguarding, or ways to engage new members, we offer resources and guidance to a variety of needs. 

Join our Clubs Facebook Group to share insight and best practice. 

Sign up for our Club Hub Newsletter to stay updated on the latest opportunities and insights. 

Sign up to our Funding Matters Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest funding opportunities. 

Real Projects, Real Impact 

The news stories below provide great example of how we support clubs to thrive. 

Dacorum CVS 

Clubs and organisations in Dacorum have received over £90,000 in funding for sport and physical activity, due to the partnership between HSP and Community Action Dacorum (CAD). 

Over the past year, over 50 groups have benefited from support in funding, marketing, training, and volunteer recruitment—supported by HSP covering the £40 CAD joining fee. This collaboration has unlocked significant investment, including £90,730 from the Shared Prosperity Fund to boost local grassroots sport. 

To read more about the project click here. 

Herts Club Sustainability Project  

The Herts Club Sustainability Project, delivered by Sported and HSP, supported 20 grassroots clubs across Hertfordshire. Supported by Sport England’s Together Fund, the project offered tailored mentoring, planning support, and funding to help clubs build stronger, more sustainable futures. 

To read more about the project click here. 

Buddle Resources 

We work closely with Sport England’s Buddle Team which provides a wealth of resources for clubs covering: 

• Develop and grow – starting out and thriving 
• Getting help from people – volunteers and professional workforce 
• Safety, welfare, and wellbeing – yourself and others 
• Being inclusive – welcoming environments, opportunities for everyone 
• Facilities and spaces – finding, developing, and using 
• Getting organised – governance and leadership 
• Money Matters – income, spending, and funding 
• Environmental Sustainability – planning for long-term outcomes 

 Click here to access the resources. 

Hertfordshire Clubs Conference  

Each year we organise our flagship club development event providing an opportunity to bring clubs together across the county to share best practice, provide key updates, and provide networking opportunities for clubs. 

In 2024 over 140 representatives attended the Clubs Conference with a theme of Welfare and Safeguarding, reflecting on the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments in sport and physical activity.  

We welcomed keynote speakers Steve Boocock, former CEO of the Child Protection in Sport Unit, and Phil Smith, Executive Director at Sport England. The day featured a club panel, interactive workshops, and a marketplace showcasing services to support Hertfordshire’s clubs development.​ Workshops covered topics such as safeguarding practices, funding opportunities, and community engagement strategies – with some workshops providing qualifications. 

Click here to access the resources from the 2024 conference. 

Keep an eye out for details on the 2025’s conference. 

Collaborating with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) 

HSP works closely with various NGBs to align local club development with national strategies. Through these partnerships, we aim to:  

• Enhance coaching standards and qualifications.​ 
• Promote inclusive practices across all sports and activities.  
• Ensure clubs have access to the latest resources and guidelines.​ 

By supporting to bridge the gap between local clubs and NGBs, HSP strives to create a supportive sporting environment throughout Hertfordshire. 

Get in Touch 

For any questions or to learn more about how we can support your club, please contact the us at hspinfo@herts.ac.uk or call 01707 284229.