Over the last few years there has been a range of national reviews and government papers, which have illustrated the increased emphasis upon sport and physical activity, – and the announcement of the 2012 Olympics to Great Britain has further extended this emphasis.

Government has set a national target to widen and increase participation in England by 1% annually. In order to maximise impact and efficiency in line with government support, Sport England as the strategic lead for sport in England, is committed to the development of a single system for community sport.

The Single System for Sport will ensure:

• One strategy for sport
• Joined up and integrated delivery
• Key partners, such as local authorities, schools, sports partnerships, charities, national governing bodies, private sector business and other community groups are brought together.

Traditionally, Sunderland’s Sport and Leisure Forums were a method of local consultation and a way of gathering key players together to drive forward sport and physical activity. However, as the agenda has changed and the role of sport and physical activity has broadened, it has become clear that alternative methods of engaging partners may be required to support the future challenges.

The Community Sport Network (CSN), an integral part of the Single System for Sport, aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity and widen access to opportunities.