Research staff from the Chelsea School at the University of Brighton evaluated two sports training projects based in East Brighton - Positive Futures and the Sports Training Project. Both projects use sports as a method to re-engage socially-excluded young people with education, enabling progress both within education and employment.

The Cupp project explored how projects such as these use sport to address aspects of social inclusion, how they can be sustained locally and whether there is potential for developing this model for other local areas such as Hastings and Eastbourne. The pilot project also explored ways in which accredited community activity for students can provide benefits to these and similar projects. Project partners Sports Training Project

The Sports Training Project is funded by eb4U and involves a 10 week training programme, leading to a Community Sports Leaders Award. It is practical based learning incorporating numeracy and literacy training (supported by NACRO). Trainees also participate in pre-planned sessions at after-school clubs in local primary schools where they can put their skills into practice.

The Sports Training Project is within the Bridge to Employment programme which is intended to equip unemployed people with the skills necessary to compete for job opportunities, and provides the bulk of the referrals on to the scheme. Positive Futures

Positive Futures focuses on youth crime and drug misuse - providing opportunities for young people to engage in sport, take sports training qualifications and become involved in delivering drugs education programmes. It performs a ‘hub’ role and delivers its services through a number of local partners.

Successful trainees are supported from the Sports Training Project into Positive Futures. They are employed as coaches, with ongoing support from the Sports Training and Positive Futures projects. There is youth work and careers support through the programme and links to Further Education and schooling.