East London Sport seeks sponsorship for ‘Sport In Your Futures’ Programme
East London Sport is actively seeking sponsorship for its ‘Sport In Your Futures’ (SIYF) programme, which launched in 2019. Based at SportsDock on UEL’s Docklands campus, SIYF provides primary school children from Newham with opportunities to engage in a variety of sports. Over 5,000 children from more than 30 schools have participated, with 80% continuing to play sports a year later.
Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images
The programme exposes children to activities they might not encounter in typical school PE lessons, such as skateboarding, breakdancing, basketball, and indoor cricket. Delivered by skilled coaches and community partners, the sports are offered in a high-quality, inspiring environment.
“The children are truly inspired by the coaches and athletes they meet,” says Kevine Kinzonzi, the programme lead. SportsDock itself has hosted elite teams, including Team USA basketball during the 2012 London Olympics, and more recently, Germany’s basketball squads ahead of the Paris Olympics.
A key aspect of SIYF is its connection to UEL’s sports scholars, who share their journeys in sport and education with the children. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, such as Christine Ohuruogu and Kylie Grimes, have also met with the children, adding to the experience. For some, it’s their first time seeing professional athletes or attending live competitive sports, with SIYF offering access to British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixtures for real match-day experiences. The programme also allows pupils to explore the British Olympic Foundation’s archives at UEL, learning about Olympic values and legacy.
Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images
Hilary Lissenden, East London Sport’s Assistant COO, describes SIYF as “a gold-dust opportunity” for sponsors. She emphasizes how the programme enhances the health, well-being, and aspirations of children, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds. “We’re excited to work with potential sponsors to expand SIYF and inspire another 1,500 children over the next year,” she adds.
Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images
PE teacher Rob from Sir John Herron Primary School remarked, “Today opened the children’s eyes to future careers and higher education.”
Sunny Hunjan of Kensington Primary School noted, “It was great to see the girls trying new sports, and their smiles showed how much they enjoyed it.”
https://www.uel.ac.uk/sport-your-futures
https://youtu.be/HcqgQiotgWY?si=r7b4HimFYff91uaW