FSPA presents at CSPN convention

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By: Jeff James

Listed Under: News

Published: Friday, April 16, 2010

FSPA managing director Jane Montgomery presented to over 100 CSP chairs and directors at the first-ever CSPN Network Convention at Nottingham Convention Centre on March 30.

The Federation was one of four main partners of the event, alongside the County Sports Partnership Network, The Department of Health and Sport England.

Speaking about the new partnership, which will enable FSPA members to work closely with CSPs both regionally and nationally on mutually beneficial events, programmes and sports participation initiatives, CSPN chair Richard Saunders stated: “There are huge opportunities for FSPA members and CSPs to benefit from utilising their collective skills and resources to work together.

“By linking the industry to grass roots deliverers on projects of equal benefit, both parties’ ultimate goals can be achieved - attracting more people into and regularly participating in sport and physical activity, resulting in increased sales of sports products.”

He went on to say: “We are very appreciative to the FSPA for attending and supporting our first National CSP event and hope this organisational partnership can be the start of a wealth of long-term beneficial links between FSPA members and CSPs going forward.”

Speaking about the free Forum facility the FSPA has set up to aid communication and ensure a structured approach to any new partnerships between FSPA members and CSPs, Jane Montgomery announced: “The FSPA’s Partnership Zone facility will really be a catalyst for the ongoing long-term partnership between FSPA member companies and CSP representatives nationwide.

“CSPs will be able to visit one location to post any new tender/project opportunities along with any proposed events/programmes they require equipment, apparel and support for, whilst FSPA members can respond to the most attractive business development proposal to forge links, meet and take the idea forward, along with the ability to post any new product trialling requests and submit their own ideas for working together.”

Attendees at the presentation completed short questionnaires detailing the various projects, sports and physical activity programmes and particular initiatives their partnership is looking to undertake in 2010/2011.

The FSPA will now match up their member companies located in the same region with relevant CSPs on what will form the start of a new ‘Sporting Links’ programme providing introductions to new local working relationships.

The CSPN Convention brought over 300 representatives from each of the 49 County Sport Partnerships together for the first time to share knowledge and best practice. Opening the pre-convention dinner, Baroness Sue Campbell congratulated CSPs on the leadership they are showing and their commitment to pull together to form an independent, cohesive, nationwide network working to support partners across the sporting landscape.

Jonathan Edwards, a member of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, then challenged the network to rise to the challenge of using the power of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to create a legacy for grass roots sport, whilst keynote speakers at the convention itself included Mike Farrar, CBE, Chris Brindley, chairman of Greater Sport, and the inspirational sportsman, international speaker and entrepreneur, Mark Pollock.

A collection of FSPA members profiled their products in the FSPA’s Super Sports Challenge area at the event, which saw over 250 convention delegates compete in a range of skilled sports activities during their lunch hour.
To visit the FSPA forum email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for login details.