City of Bristol College is proud to announce a new partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation (BSF), the charitable arm of Bristol Sport, as part of a shared commitment to improving the lives of young people across Bristol through sport and physical activity.
Founded in 2012 and based at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol Sport Foundation works with more than 8,500 children every week in schools and communities across the city, with a particular focus on disadvantaged areas. Through its wide-ranging programmes, the Foundation provides positive early experiences that help young people to develop a lifelong love of sport, an encouragement to stay active and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
This new partnership creates valuable opportunities for City of Bristol College students and colleagues alike to engage directly with the community.
Students will be encouraged to volunteer and support Foundation-led initiatives, gaining meaningful experience while making a tangible difference to young people’s lives.
One of the first major initiatives under the partnership will see college colleagues take part in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run in early May, raising crucial funds in aid of Bristol Sport Foundation and supporting its ongoing work across the city. It’s now just under three weeks until the race takes place, colleagues are deep into their training plans and it’s the final push to raise the crucial funds to hit the £5000 target to make a real difference to the young people of Bristol’s lives. The link to the fundraising page can be found here.
Speaking of the partnership, Dan Pollard, Programme Manager at City of Bristol College, commented: “Our partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation brings our whole college community together. Staff and students alike are all playing their part.
“From colleagues running the Great Bristol Run and students supporting their training to opportunities for students to give back to the community and volunteer in supported events, the partnership empowers us all to help young people in Bristol get active.”
Lara Short, Head of People and Culture at Bristol Sport Foundation, added: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with City of Bristol College. This partnership represents far more than a fundraising effort, it reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people in Bristol through sport and physical activity.
“At Bristol Sport Foundation, we understand how important it is to create opportunities for children and families to lead active and healthy lives, particularly those facing disadvantage. Through our Forever Sport and Project Take-Off programmes, we work to break down barriers to participation and help young people from some of the most deprived areas in our city build confidence, resilience and a genuine love for being active.
“The funds raised through the Great Bristol Run will directly support this work, enabling us to reach more children across the city. We’re very grateful to the staff at City of Bristol College for running on behalf of Bristol Sport Foundation and helping us make a positive difference together.”
Many young people in schools today face significant challenges that impact their behaviour, attendance, mental wellbeing and academic progress. Poverty and deprivation can intensify these issues, making targeted support more important than ever.
Funds raised through this partnership will directly support key Bristol Sport Foundation programmes, including:
Elevate Mentoring
A primary school mentoring programme designed to build socio-emotional skills, improve mental resilience and support positive behaviour change among vulnerable or at-risk children.
Health Squad
A six-week, school-based initiative for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils that promotes the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating and good sleep. Using basketball and Bristol Flyers Basketball as inspiration, the programme engages children in learning while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Project Take Off
A free programme providing primary and secondary school-aged young people with access to basketball opportunities, removing financial and societal barriers and using sport as a powerful tool for personal development.
Through this strong partnership, City of Bristol College and Bristol Sport Foundation aim to extend their reach and impact, helping more young people across Bristol to overcome barriers, build confidence and lead healthier, more active lives.
