... Visit Wales 

Jonathan Woods, Principal Consultant at KKP gives his perspective on how sport has contributed to the development of a country.

The heritage, social, economic and geographical make up of Wales contributes to a situation that requires significant change, creates challenges and provides opportunities. However, in today's climate it is not economically viable or sustainable to address them in isolation. Sport can contribute in several ways.

Many regeneration initiatives in Wales are looking at sport to achieve wider social benefits. ‘The Works' learning campus based project in Ebbw Vale at the Steelworks site is being used as a vehicle to improve educational attainment. KKP is currently identifying the most appropriate option and specification for a state of the art sports facility, adjacent to a new college, the intention being to attract more young people to stay in education post-16.

Planning for the future, WAG and public bodies are looking for ways to improve efficiency. Local authorities in SE Wales have sought (and taken) our advice on collectively providing sports development services, rationalising who does what, where and why and reaping the financial benefits of working collectively. It is also leading to the provision of better services for local residents.

Working with clients across Wales on sport and leisure projects, we have evaluated capital and revenue funding programmes, conducted strategic reviews, management options appraisals, market research, open space and playing pitch studies to produce robust evidence and rationales for several Welsh local authorities. This ‘basket' of products and services is helping to ensure that sport makes an effective contribution to achieving both social and economic outcomes.