Two community projects have been recognised at the 2023 Cumbria Sports Awards.

The groups both look to support young people keep active.

The award for Community Club or Group of the Year is presented for Quality Local Opportunities and the award went to Bee Unique FC.

Bee Unique FC is a pan disability football club formed by the Bee Unique Autism charity which educates, embraces, and entertains those who have the diagnosis or currently in the process of diagnosis of Autism and those with associated learning conditions.

As well as football training sessions the club hold matches and large family fun days including an Olympic style event which presents an opportunity for all children and their families the chance to take part in a variety of sports.

Over an 18 month period the club organised 1,998 activities for children and young people autism and other learning conditions – in August this year alone up to 3,718 individuals benefited from their activities.

Led by a team of volunteer coaches who are also parents of SEN children, the football sessions welcome all ages and provide a place for everyone to experience football in a comfortable environment.

This has really made a positive difference to the confidence of the children and young people taking part.

Later this year the club will host its first official football match providing opportunities for the Autism community through the love of sport.

The Active Education award goes to Step Up and Play, a programme designed and led by head teacher Steve Herbert.

The award is presented for High quality physical activity and sporting opportunities at school.

Step Up and Play enables children from Central Ward in Barrow-in-Furness to attend and become part of sports clubs in the area.

A partnership between four schools, Step Up and Play aims to ensure that children aged 4-11 in Central Barrow, and their families have equity of opportunity to engage with local sports clubs.

Having recognised the need of Central Ward children to participate in sport, Steve has been determined to give them the same opportunity as other children.

He successfully secured funding for a pilot scheme and, on a weekly basis, manages Step Up and Play at a practical level.

The pilot scheme has been a great success with 135 children regularly participating in five different sports – participating has increased confidence and is making a positive impact to the lives of the children who would otherwise not be involved in a sporting activity.

Many of the children have gone on to represent their club in competitions.

Based on its success, Step Up and Play is looking to the future and seeking to secure a further three year funding to make sure children can continue to participate longer term.

The project aims to double the number of children aged between 4 and 11 becoming active members of local sports organisations, within three years.