What does Supported Sport actually mean?

You may have seen Manx Horse Council referring to IOM Sport Supported Sport funding – but what does that actually mean, and how does it benefit equestrian sport on the Island?

As the recognised governing body for equestrian sport, MHC acts as the link between our affiliated clubs and IOM Sport. But importantly, MHC doesn't decide what each club should be doing or simply choose where the funding goes.

Each year, clubs are invited to consider what they would like to develop within their own discipline and submit their objectives to MHC. Those objectives might relate to increasing participation, developing coaches or officials, improving opportunities for riders or strengthening the way their sport is delivered.

MHC's role is to coordinate those submissions, help clubs where needed with developing their ideas and objectives, and bring them together as part of the wider equestrian Supported Sport plan submitted to IOM Sport.

In other words, the ideas should come from the people actually delivering the sport.

So what can Supported Sport funding help with?

Supported Sport funding is there to develop the sport, so objectives need to be tangible, new and designed to create a clear benefit beyond simply continuing with what we already do.

That could mean piloting a new training programme or activity, creating an opportunity that hasn't previously been available on the Island, supporting coaches and officials with qualifications or CPD, or making a one-off purchase that enables a club or discipline to develop something new.

The important bit is the development. There needs to be an identifiable outcome – something we can point to afterwards and say this is what the funding enabled us to do, and this is how it has helped our sport move forward.

It isn't intended simply to cover the everyday running costs of clubs or activities that would ordinarily happen anyway.

Sometimes that development might be very visible: a new programme, course or piece of equipment. Sometimes it might be an investment in people – helping a coach or official gain new skills and bring that knowledge back to the Island.

Pilot schemes are particularly useful. Supported Sport can give clubs the opportunity to try an idea, see whether there is demand and learn what works before deciding whether it is something that could become sustainable in the longer term.

Could your idea fit?

Think new, tangible and developmental.

A new activity or pilot scheme.  A one-off purchase that unlocks a new opportunity.  Coach or officials' qualifications and CPD.  A project designed to increase participation.  Training that develops knowledge or capability within your discipline.

If your club has an idea, you don't need to arrive with a perfectly written funding application. Talk to MHC. We can help you consider whether it might fit within Supported Sport and help shape it into a clear objective for submission.

There is lots of information available here too: https://isleofmansport.com/clubs-and-governing-bodies/funding/support-for-sport/

What has that looked like in practice?

Supported Sport funding turns up in all sorts of places across Manx equestrian sport – and you may have benefited from it without even realising it.

Did you spot the new barriers at Kennaa Equestrian Centre? They were funded 50% through IOM Sport as part of a drive to improve safety at events.

Did you notice the EVNPA judges at our summer shows? As well as judging, they were supporting our volunteer workforce by offering training and advice to stewards – helping develop the knowledge and confidence we have here on the Island.

Did you know IOM Sport supports the course inspections at both of our cross-country courses? It’s another example of funding being used not necessarily to create something you can see, but to support safe, well-run equestrian sport.

And it isn't only about facilities and events. Supported Sport can invest in people too. Recently the scheme has helped Lucy Parsons and Isla Curphey, two Pony Club coaches, take the next steps in their coaching development – helping with the costs involved in progressing their qualifications and adding to the pool of qualified coaches available on the Island.

Our first BHS Stage 1 programme is another example. Supported Sport funding helped MHC pilot a new opportunity for eight Academy riders to undertake structured training here on the Island before travelling to complete their assessments.  It was a chance to test something new, see how it worked and consider whether there could be a place for similar, sustainable, opportunities in the future.

Then there are the things most people will probably never see.   IOM Sport funding also helps clubs make sure appropriate first aid cover is in place and supports the costs associated with ensuring relevant officials and volunteers have udergone Safeguarding training and clubs undertake current DBS checks.

Some Supported Sport investment is very visible – a new piece of equipment, a training day, a qualification or a group of riders taking part in a new programme. Some of it happens quietly behind the scenes.  Both are important if we want our clubs, volunteers and participants to have the support they need to keep developing equestrian sport on the Island.

Got an idea for your club?

If you're involved with one of our affiliated clubs and have an idea that could help develop your discipline, talk to your club committee. Clubs have the opportunity to put forward their own development objectives, and MHC is always happy to offer advice and help turn an idea into something that could form part of a future Supported Sport plan.

Supported Sport works best when the objectives reflect what our clubs and their members actually need.