Q1. The Council has a Sports Development Officer whose role it is to promote sports development across the District. How is this role benefiting the local community?
A1. The Sports Development Officer works closely with many organisations including sports clubs, schools, SELB, Sports Council Northern Ireland and governing bodies to develop opportunities for everyone in the District to participate in sport and physical activity if they wish.

Q2. Does the Council run any sports programmes for children? If so, what do they offer?
A2. Yes. The Council runs a sports programme for young people both at Easter and during the summer months when young people are on holiday. Both programmes offer young people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sporting activities. Arts and crafts courses are also available as part of these programmes. All sports courses are professionally run by qualified coaches. Other sports programmes are run throughout the year. Contact the Council's Leisure Services Department on 028 4066 0605 if you would like to be kept informed about what courses are available.

Q3. I would like to know what sports clubs exist within the Banbridge District. Has a sports directory been produced for the Banbridge District?
A3. Yes. The Council recently produced a comprehensive sports directory which provides an overview of all key sports clubs that operate across the District. This directory is available from the Council's Leisure Services Department  free of charge. It is also available from most Council facilities.

Q4. I am a qualified sports coach and would like to coach some local clubs. How do I go about it?
A4. You should request a copy of the Council's new sports directory to identify which clubs exist. You will be able to contact these clubs directly to see if they require your coaching services.

Q5. What is the primary purpose of Banbridge District Sporting Association and how is it linked to the Council?
A5. Banbridge District Sports Association is a voluntary body consisting of representatives from many local sports organisations, clubs, schools, individuals and Banbridge District Council. It administers grants for coach education and sporting individuals and selects members for the Banbridge Sportstar Club. Working in partnership with the Council, they organise annual senior and junior sports awards ceremonies to promote sporting excellence. They also organise a Coach Education Programme and activity programmes for young people both during the summer and Easter holidays.

Q6. Does the Council run any training courses for sports coaches?
A6. Yes. The Council runs an annual programme in conjunction with Banbridge District Sports Association which has been designed to meet the needs of local coaches. If you are a coach based locally and would like to be kept informed about what courses are available, contact the Council's Leisure Services Department on 028 4066 0605. The Association is closely linked with the Council's sports development programme.

Q7. I am an elderly gentleman and would like to join a local sports group for older aged people. Does such a group exist?
A7. Yes. Banbridge Leisure Centre has established a very successful '50 Plus' group who enjoy 'pleasure, leisure and unlimited sport'. This thriving group take part in all types of light, enjoyable exercise suitable for their age group as well as regular excursions. This Group meets in the Centre every Tuesday. If you would like to become a member, contact Banbridge Leisure Centre on 028 4062 8800.

Q8. My daughter is disabled but would still like to participate in some sports activities. What activities are available for disabled people.
A8. Banbridge has its own Special Olympics club which disabled sports people can join and take part in competitions. Banbridge Leisure Centre runs a Swim Fit club which has been designed for people with disabilities.

Q9. What funding opportunities are available for sport in the District?
A9. The Council can provide grants towards core funding, minor sports events, facility improvement, junior club development and representative sporting clubs. In addition Banbridge District Sports Association provides seeding grants, representative sporting individual grants and coach education support. It also administers the Banbridge Sportstar club. Application forms can be obtained from the Council's Leisure Services Department on 028 4066 0605.

Q10. How can I submit or ask a question about sports development?
A10. You can submit a question by selecting the 'Contact Us' link in the left hand navigation listing. Alternatively, you can contact the Council's Sports Development Officer directly on 028 4066 0637.