This document outlines the traditional pathways for aspiring athletes in the UK. It discusses participation, foundation, competition, and elite performance levels of sport. It also describes the school sports pathway and how regional teams, elite clubs, and education have traditionally contributed to athlete development. Finally, it introduces the national framework for sport and its goal of creating clear pathways to support people in sport.

1. Opportunities and Pathways
Traditional Pathways in Sport

2. Recap
Participation
Applies to individuals performing at
national and international levels
Foundation
A more structured form of competitive
sport at club or county level
Competition
Elite Performance
Mainly associated with introducing
youngsters to sport and developing
fundamental motor skills. Also known
as?
Where sport is undertaken primarily for
fun and enjoyment, usually at a basic
level. This can be the case for very
competent sports people, however.

3. Recap
Participation
Foundation
Where sport is undertaken primarily for
fun and enjoyment, usually at a basic
level. This can be the case for very
competent sports people, however.
Mainly associated with introducing
youngsters to sport and developing
fundamental motor skills. Also known
as?
Competition
A more structured form of competitive
sport at club or county level
Elite Performance
Applies to individuals performing at
national and international levels

4. Traditional Pathways
• Historically in the UK there have been two main
pathways for aspiring athletes and performers to
follow
School
Regional
Teams
Elite Club
Education
Local
Junior Club
Senior Club
Club
Elite Club

5. Traditional Pathways
The pathway a young person took was
largely determined by the sport.
Since the funding and support managed by
the UK Sport is done largely through
governing bodies and clubs, in recent times
there has been more emphasis on the club
structure.

6. Traditional Pathways
Through the Physical Education School
Sport and Club Links (PESSCL)
strategy and Sports Colleges, the YST
has attempted to narrow the gap.

7. Traditional Pathways
The School Sports Pathway:
• Friendly and competitive based fixtures
• Inter-house, sports days, swimming galas
• Only 5% of students at a school are involved
in competitive sport
• Majority of school sport still run by
volunteers – usually teachers giving up time
to coach and take teams
School
District
County
Regional
The School Sports Pathway
National Team

8. Universities
Many Universities provide opportunities for participation for
all levels of performers
Most have facilities for those wishing to participate merely
for enjoyment or fitness and can use them often for
discounted fees.
Many offer high levels of competition through organised
university sports competitions.
Many also offer opportunities for elite athletes to train in
conjunction with academic courses.

9. National Framework for Sport
• A joint policy from the government and key
sports agencies
• Its aim is ‘Making England an Active and
Successful Nation – A Vision for 2020’
• Trying to change the culture of sport and
physical activity

11. National Framework for Sport
• Plans have been produced in order to
provide clear pathways for people in sport
• There 20 priority sports and a further 10
development sports
• Any guesses???

13. Game Plan
In 2002 the UK Government devised a
strategy called ‘Game Plan’
Using the text book (pg 124) make notes around the
key areas of the strategy and where the 3 main UK
sports agencies fit into it

14. A Sporting Future for All
• 2000 – Document
• Highlighted governments aims to
modernise England’s sporting
organisations
• Set out objectives for sport within
education, community sport and
excellence
• Superseded by National Framework for
Sport

15. Sport Search
• Online system that allows every 11-17yr
old to assess their suitability to take part in
over 150 sports and gives links to clubs
and facilities where they could pursue their
sport.