EB Sports Academy aims to promote the physical and mental health of young people in East Brighton. They offer multi-sport activity sessions, academic programmes and plenty of opportunities for development. 

With a recent grant from Sussex Community Foundation, EB Sports set up weekly sessions for 7-14 year-olds at outdoor recreation grounds in East Brighton. The sessions were also linked to a "coach academy" programme of nationally recognised courses, qualifications and practical experience made available to young local candidates.

Supporting young people in the local area

EB Sports' project promoted mental and physical wellbeing by encouraging regular physical activity. For other young people in the community, the project also enhanced their employability. Through engaging physical games and exercise, this initiative helped nurture the skills and confidence of the young participants, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Their sessions, provided at no cost, have been instrumental in assisting local families during the cost of living crisis.

E's story

E was keen to get involved in the project as a volunteer coach since the beginning. His school qualifications weren't exactly what he had hoped for, and he had found there weren't many options available to him to continue his education. He also wasn't sure what direction to take in terms of securing an income to support his personal development and his family.

Building skills and confidence

EB's coach recognised E would be an ideal candidate to take on the practical work experience side of the project and join the group of Level 2 candidates to train as a coach. Although E had no prior experience in leadership work, he was supported to learn the techniques of leadership and coaching.

Over the last year, E has gained considerable experience as a leader and is currently completing his experience to become Level 2 qualified. He is working hard to ensure he gets his qualification to keep coaching the same group in the 2025-26 academic year as a professional paid coach.

Throughout the project, E has gained self-esteem and confidence, as well as valuable experience and qualifications. He has made strong links with the local community, made new friends and now feels empowered and more confident. He is looking for more opportunities to get involved and is booked as a paid coach at EB's next project over the summer.

Visit the EB Sports Academy website to find out more about what they do.

EB Sports Academy's project was funded under our Reaching Potential funding priority. Through this, we support local organisations that build people’s skills, confidence and life opportunities.

You can help us now by donation to the Reaching Potential Fund. Donations to our pooled fund enable impactful grant making in this area. You can make donations of any size and it will make a real difference to people’s lives. Donate here.

Reaching Potential is also our latest report in the Sussex Uncovered series. It highlights the challenges faced by our county, and the vital role of local charities in helping those who are disadvantaged so they can reach their full potential.

Magnetic Ideals are a collective of community workers, artists, researchers and activists in Brighton & Hove. They run projects and provide support within the community around the topics of arts for community interest and social sustainability.

A recent grant from the Foundation funded their project 'Reconnect!', offering a range of engaging and creative sessions. Reconnect! aims to promote community connection and skills development, helping participants to get back on track with their lives.

Workshops at Reconnect!

The programme of free workshops focused on confidence building and personal development, also helping developing creative and technical skills alongside employability around sustainability.

Participants worked on their skills around felting, lino printing, clay modelling and collage, using natural materials. The workshops encouraged hands-on creativity, social connection and mental wellbeing.

Bringing people together

Those attending enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere and many opportunities for meaningful conversation. The programme brought people together to reconnect with their creative sides and each other while upskilling knowledge around sustainability and wellbeing.

B's story

B, a single mother in her 40s, enjoyed creative and art but found it difficult to prioritise them above the demands of work and family life. Struggling with anxiety and a sense of isolation, she joined one of the Magnetic Ideals Reconnect! workshops.

B attended a felting session with her teenage son, who had autism and was initially reluctant to participate. She said that the relaxed, supportive atmosphere helped both of them engage fully, and by the end of the workshop, they had created beautiful felt decorations together.

B took part in other sessions, reconnecting with her creative side and meeting like-minded individuals. She has now built friendships with other attendees, which eased her feelings of isolation. Inspired by the lino printing workshop, B has purchased her own starter kit and began making handmade cards at home.

B credits the Reconnect! programme with improving her mental health, and as a source of creativity, community, and wellbeing that extended into her everyday life, positively transforming her outlook and self-esteem.

To find out more about Magnetic Ideals visit their website.

The Reaching Potential report, the latest in the Sussex Uncovered series, highlights the challenges our county faces. It also emphasises the vital role local charities play in helping disadvantaged individuals reach their full potential.

Read the report Reaching Potential.