The sports development service provided by Banbridge District Council is aimed at creating, enhancing and promoting sporting opportunities for all in the Banbridge District. This aim is primarily being achieved through partnership working between Banbridge District Council, Banbridge District Sports Association, Southern Sports Partnership, Southern Education and Library Board, Sports Council for Northern Ireland, local schools, sports clubs and associations.

The key responsibilities of providing a quality sports development service include:

• Implementing the Banbridge District Sports Strategy 2005-2010
• Organising, co-ordinating and promoting sports courses for young people in the District via the Easter Activity Programme for Young People and Summer Activity Programme for Young People
• Managing an educational support programme for local clubs and coaches
• Organising and co-ordintaing both senior and junior sports award evenings each year
• Supporting sports individuals and clubs through the provision of grants
• Developing and maintaining a Sports Directory for the District
• Supporting junior clubs, schools of excellence, Banbridge youth sport, developing a coaches' database, assisting new junior clubs, organising fun days for new sports, sourcing funding and assisting clubs with funding applications

Banbridge District Sports Association
This Association, which comprises representatives of local sports organisations, clubs, schools and individuals as well as councillors and officers of Banbridge District Council, has a key role to play in developing sports opportunities for everyone living or working in the Banbridge District. All sporting/recreational organisations, clubs and individuals operating in the District may apply to become affiliated members. There are many advantages to be gained from membership. These include:

• Subsidised fees for approved coach education courses
• Priority of places on the Association’s annual Coach Education Programme
• Free promotion in its Sports Directory
• Opportunity to participate in the Banbridge Sportstar Club
• Opportunity to avail of sports grants
• Receive regular copies of Association's meeting minutes
• Have the opportunity to be elected to represent your sport on the Association

The annual membership fee is minimal: £10 for clubs, £5 for individuals and £3 junior individuals. Members of the Banbridge District Sports Association meet on average once a month at 7.30pm at various venues throughout Banbridge. If you or your club would like to join, please contact:
The Secretary
Banbridge District Sports Association, Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3JY
T: 028 4066 0605

Contact:
Gillian Dewart - Sports Development Officer
Leisure and Community Services Department, Banbridge District Council, Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3JY
T: 028 4066 0637
F: 028 4066 0601
E: gillian.dewart@banbridge.gov.uk