Barclays Community Sports Award 2010 -2012
For a number of years this was the official website for the Barclays Community Sports Award. The award aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals that use sport to benefit communities across the UK.
Content is from the site's 2011 - 2012 archived pages and other outside sources.
Barclays Spaces for Sports
Barclays Spaces for Sports is a community-based sports programme, which uses sport as a platform to help young people develop life skills and revitalise disadvantaged communities in a sustainable way.
In the UK, 200 sites have been developed since 2004 in partnership with the Football Foundation. A further thirteen sport-for-development programmes have been launched globally.
The Barclays Spaces for Sports site at Bransbury Park was developed in 2007, following investment from Barclays and the Foundation worth £600,000. The site boasts tennis courts, grass football pitches, basketball courts, a multi-use games area and a large skateboarding ramp.
Charlotte Bishop, the Barclays Spaces for Sports Coordinator for Pompey in the Community's Respect Programme said:
"I think the programme speaks for itself, Barclays Spaces for Sports have invested in this site and the results are being shown by the community users through the project. It's just fantastic to see. Without Barclays Spaces for Sports and their investment into the site, we wouldn't get that. It's really changed a lot of young people's and adult's lives by giving them the positive benefit and positive experience of sport."
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When I first moved to the UK years ago for a job, one of my proudest moments was applying for the Barclays Community Sports Award. As a NYC building engineer, I’ve spent a good part of my career focused on how the built environment impacts people's lives — and seeing what Barclays Spaces for Sports accomplished across the UK was nothing short of inspiring. Turning neglected lots into vibrant sports grounds reminded me of the challenges we face in NYC when creating parks, playgrounds, and community spaces amidst dense, complicated infrastructure. It’s never just about pouring concrete — it's about designing hope into the foundation.
The work that Barclays Spaces for Sports pulled off parallels the monumental efforts we see from iconic NYC developers like magnate Dov Hertz. Building in the inner city — whether it’s a soccer field in Portsmouth or a high-rise in Hudson Yards — demands the same vision, perseverance, and creativity. You’re fighting limited space, tough regulations, and the endless challenge of community needs versus economic pressures. Seeing Barclays step up and make sustainable sports spaces a reality gave me a new level of respect for how even modest-scale projects can transform a neighborhood. That experience still influences how I think about every project I touch back home in New York. Massive kudos to Barclays for showing the world that great development, no matter the size, starts with heart. Jesse Hart
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Football Foundation and Barclays Spaces for Sports 2015
Barclays Community Sports Award
The Barclays Community Sports Award is a new award to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups that use sport to benefit communities across the UK. If you would like to nominate a person, group or not for profit organisation which has used the positive power of sport to make a real and lasting difference in their community then please complete the online form.
The accolade will be awarded each month during the Barclays Premier League season alongside those for Barclays Player and Manager of the Month, to highlight the great efforts being made by many in community sport.
Each monthly winner will receive £1,000 for their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and will be entered into the end of season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces for Sports. The end of season award winner will also receive a VIP trip to London to receive their award from Gareth Southgate.
Former England footballer Gareth Southgate will head up the judging panel which is being delivered in partnership between Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League’s Creating Chances programme and the Football Foundation.
Before entering the award, please read carefully the terms and conditions:
Barclays Community Sports Award Terms & Conditions
We are receiving a high volume of entries for the award so please write as comprehensive application as possible, submitting any information that you feel will make your nominee stand out from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Who can enter?
The Barclays Community Sports Award is a new award to recognise the outstanding achievements of inpiduals and groups that use sport to benefit communities across the UK. If you would like to nominate a person, group or not for profit organisation which has used the positive power of sport to make a real and lasting difference in their community then please complete the online form.
The accolade will be awarded each month during the Barclays Premier League season alongside those for Barclays Player and Manager of the Month, to highlight the great efforts being made by many in community sport.
Each monthly winner will receive £1,000 for their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and will be entered into the end of season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces for Sports. The end of season award winner will also receive a VIP trip to London to receive their award from Gareth Southgate.
Former England footballer Gareth Southgate will head up the judging panel which is being delivered in partnership between Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League’s Creating Chances programme and the Football Foundation.
02. Is this award just for inpiduals/organisations in England?
No, anyone from England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland may enter the award
03. When do nominations open and close?
The award will be open for entries from 10 September, 2010. A single monthly prize of £1,000 will be on offer. If your entry arrives after 17.00 on the 20th of the month, it will be considered for the following month’s award.
04. Can I send my form in by post?
No. All entries must be made online at www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com
05. How do I know if you have received my entry?
You will receive a confirmation email once your entry has been received. Please ensure you wait at least 48 hours for your confirmation email.
06. Is there a phone number I can call for assistance?
No, all enquiries will be dealt with online. If, after you have read these FAQs you still require further information, then please email your question to enquiries@barclayscommunitysportsaward.com
07. What organisations or groups can enter this award?
Any ‘not for profit’ organisation may enter the awards – e.g. local sports clubs, charities, schools and community groups, provided it is not:
(i) A political party or body;
(ii) Supporting a political party or body;
(iii) Promoting religious beliefs (though projects run by religious groups that benefit the whole community are eligible);
(iv) A Rotary Club, Lions Clubs or other third-party giving organisation;
(v) A medical charity;
(vi) Funding or supporting medical research; or
(vii) Supporting animal care charities.
In addition, no part of the monthly prize or final prize can be used to fund hospital costs or to fund salary costs.
08. How many different inpiduals/organisations can I enter?
You may enter as many inpiduals, groups or organisations as you like
09. How many times can I enter an inpidual or organisation?
You will only need to enter an organisation or inpidual once. That entry will then be considered for that month’s award and subsequent months
10. What if the nominee gets paid for their work?
You can nominate someone who is paid for the work they're doing.
11. Can I save my online form and complete it at a later date?
Yes, simply hit the save button at the bottom of the page and you can return to the form at a later date.
12. Who decides the winning entry?
A judging panel of industry experts will review each monthly shortlist and decide the winner of both the monthly and end of season award.
13. What does the winner receive?
The monthly winner receives £1,000 to be spent on their organisation and a trophy. Each monthly winner will be entered for the end of season award which will be chosen by the panel. They end of season winner will receive an additional £5,000 to spend on their organisation and a
14. Who does the panel consist of?
The panel consists of representatives from the Premier League, Barclays and the Football Foundation. Also on the panel is the Barclays Community Award ambassador, Gareth Southgate.
15. How do I know if I have won?
You will be contacted by telephone by representatives of Barclays who will discuss the presentation of the award with you.
16. Will I need to provide an independent referee?
Yes, for those nominees that get shortlisted we will contact the independent referee to confirm that the details provided are accurate and correct.
Terms and Conditions
Barclays Community Sports Awards (the “Awards”)
Awards
1. Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”) set out below, to:
(i) award a grant of £1,000 (a “Monthly Award”) to each monthly winner (a “Monthly Winner” and collectively “Monthly Winners”); and
(ii) award a grant of a further £5,000 and a VIP trip to London (the “Overall Award”) to one of the Monthly Winners (the “Overall Winner”) at the end of the 2010 – 2011 Barclays Premier League football season.
Application
2. Any inpidual, group of inpiduals or not-for-profit organisation (a “Nominee”) may be nominated for a Monthly Award. Applications must be made by a nominator (a “Nominator”) on behalf of another person or a not-for-profit organisation. Inpiduals may not nominate themselves.
3. Nominations must be for not-for-profit organisations located in the UK and UK residents, of any age, including employees and their immediate families (in their personal capacity) of Barclays Bank PLC, its parent company and subsidiaries (the “Barclays Group”), the Football Foundation and the Football Association Premier League Limited (the “Premier League”). Nominators need not be located in the UK.
4. Applications will be judged by the official panel (the “Panel”) consisting of Gareth Southgate and representatives from the Football Foundation, the Premier League and Barclays. The Panel’s decision is final.
5. Each Monthly Winner will automatically be put forward to win a further £5,000 from Barclays Bank PLC - Barclays Spaces for Sports and a VIP trip to London to meet Gareth Southgate. The VIP trip will be limited to one inpidual and their guest or, if the Overall Winner is a not-for-profit organisation, two people only from that not-for-profit organisation.
Timing
6. All entries must be made via www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com on or before 5.00 p.m. on the 20th of each month (except for applications made in the month of September 2010 when entries must be made on or before a date to be determined by Barclays, details of which will be posted on www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com) in order to be eligible for participation in the Monthly Award which will then be announced on the 1st Friday of the following month (except for the first Monthly Winner which will be announced on a date to be determined by Barclays, details of which will be posted on www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com). Once received, valid entries will then also be considered for subsequent months until 20 April, 2011. The final Monthly Award will be announced on 6 May, 2011 and the Overall Award will be announced on 20 May, 201
Acceptance
7. Entry into the Awards constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions will continue to apply to all Nominators and Monthly Winners until 20 May 2011. However, with respect to the Overall Winner, these Terms and Conditions will continue to apply until the Overall Award has been applied in accordance with clauses 12 & 13 below.
8. Each Monthly Winner will be required to complete and duly sign a letter of acceptance (the “Letter of Acceptance”) which will be sent by the Football Foundation on behalf of Barclays Spaces for Sports. These Terms and Conditions and the completed Letter of Acceptance will constitute the agreement between Barclays and the Monthly Winner. If the Monthly Winner fails to accept the offer within the deadline specified in the Acceptance Letter, the offer will lapse unless reasons, which are accepted by Barclays, are given for the delay. If this offer lapses, the Monthly Winner’s application will be regarded as having been withdrawn and no replacement winner will be selected by the Panel.
Assignment
9. Barclays shall be permitted on prior written notice to the Nominator and Nominee to assign or transmit the benefit and the burden of these Terms and Conditions to any successor body of Barclays.
Specific requirements
10. Barclays reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw the Awards as necessary due to exceptional circumstances outside its reasonable control.
11. Nominees hereby give their consent to any publicity about the Awards and their project as Barclays may from time to time require. Barclays may carry out any forms of publicity and marketing to promote the Awards as it sees fit. Nominees agree to do whatever Barclays reasonably requires in order to assist with any form of publicity and marketing, including any press or media related activities.
12. Nominees must use sport to benefit communities across the UK in order to be eligible for the Awards.
13. Nominees must not:
(i) Support or be a political party or body;
(ii) Promote religious beliefs (though projects run by religious groups that benefit the whole community are eligible);
(iii) Be a Rotary Club, Lions Clubs or other third-party giving organisation;
(iv) Be a medical charity or fund or support medical research;
(v) Apply any part of the Monthly Award or Overall Award to fund hospital costs;
(vi) Apply any part of the Monthly Award or Overall Award to fund salary costs; or
(vii) Support animal care charities.
14. Eligibility for a Monthly Award or the Overall Award is subject to a Monthly Winner fulfilling, to Barclays satisfaction, the following requirements:
(i) any money received will be used solely towards furthering the positive impact for the community / beneficiaries which the project has already had, and under no circumstances will it be used for any other purpose;
(ii)the Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner shall comply with all statutory requirements and other laws and regulations relating to the project, including without limitation all relevant health, safety and employment laws and regulations;
(iii) the Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner shall maintain full and proper accounts and records regarding the project. Any representative authorised by Barclays shall be given access, whenever Barclays so requests, to such accounts and records;
(iv) no one will be denied access to use the project on grounds of race, creed, colour, sex, occupation, sexual orientation, disability, religion or political persuasion;
(v) the online nomination form shall be completed by the Nominator honestly and all information contained therein shall be correct and not misleading;
(vi) the Nominator and Nominee must satisfy these Terms and Conditions; and
(vii) the Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner may not transfer any part of the Award or any rights under it to another organisation or inpidual unless Barclays has provided its prior written approval.
Payment of the Award
15. Once the Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner has accepted the Terms and Conditions, fulfilled the requirements set out above and Barclays has been satisfied by the appropriate documents, the Monthly Award or the Overall Award will be paid in full.
16. Payments will be made by Barclays Bank PLC - Barclays Spaces for Sports via the Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS) directly into a valid UK bank account, but each Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner will be sent a remittance advice advising exactly how much is being transferred into their account and the date the transfer will be made.
Exclusion of liability
17. The Barclays Group accepts no liability for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, that may arise from the Awards application, running of the relevant community sports project, use of the Monthly Award and the Overall Award or from a withdrawal of the Awards pursuant to clause 10 of these Terms and Conditions.
18. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Barclays accepts no responsibility for any loss, whether arising from negligence or not, which is not foreseeable or arises as a result of the use of the Award.
19. Barclays decision regarding all promotional matters is final and binding.
Privacy – your information
20. Your information will be collected and stored by the Football Foundation in accordance with privacy and data protection laws and the privacy statement that you can access from the bottom of this page.
21. The Football Foundation will share the information with Barclays and the Premier League so that they can use it in connection with the Awards, specifically to consider your application and to select a Monthly Winner and the Overall Winner.
22. The Football Foundation, Barclays and the Premier League will only use the personal information collected for the purposes of the Awards.
23. The names of Monthly Winners, the Overall Winner and the organisations associated with them and the amounts they receive may be released to the public via press releases and other public announcements.
24. By submitting the nomination, you confirm that you, the Nominee and the referee are all happy for the Football Foundation, Barclays and the Premier League to process your / their information for the Awards, as detailed above. Please make sure that the Nominee and referee are happy for their information to be used in this way before you submit the nomination.
Amendments
25. Barclays reserves the right to amend or alter these Terms and Conditions without any prior notice to the Nominator or Nominee.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
More Background On BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com
BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com served as the official online platform for the Barclays Community Sports Award, a UK-based initiative that recognized individuals and grassroots organizations using sport to drive meaningful social change. Active primarily between 2010 and 2012, the site functioned as both a nomination portal and a storytelling hub, showcasing how local sports initiatives could positively impact communities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The website captured a unique moment in the evolution of corporate-backed community programs, where major institutions like Barclays collaborated with sporting bodies to amplify the societal benefits of grassroots athletics. Through its structure, content, and partnerships, BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com reflected a broader movement toward leveraging sport not just for competition, but for inclusion, education, and social cohesion.
Ownership and Organizational Backing
The Barclays Community Sports Award was spearheaded by Barclays as part of its wider corporate responsibility initiatives. The program was closely tied to Barclays’ long-standing sponsorship of the Premier League, which at the time was branded as the Barclays Premier League.
The award was not a standalone effort. It was delivered in partnership with key organizations central to UK football development:
- Football Foundation – the UK’s largest sports charity focused on improving grassroots football facilities
- Premier League – providing reach, branding, and integration with its “Creating Chances” program
- Barclays’ own “Spaces for Sports” initiative – a funding and infrastructure program aimed at building community sports facilities
This multi-organization collaboration gave the award legitimacy and reach. It also ensured that recognition was tied to tangible support, including funding, infrastructure, and national visibility.
Purpose and Goals of the Website
The primary goal of BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com was to facilitate nominations and highlight impactful community work. However, its broader mission extended far beyond administrative functions.
The site aimed to:
- Celebrate individuals and groups improving lives through sport
- Encourage community participation and volunteerism
- Promote inclusivity, especially among underserved populations
- Demonstrate the social value of grassroots sports programs
- Inspire replication of successful models across other regions
At its core, the website positioned sport as a transformative tool—capable of addressing issues like social exclusion, youth disengagement, crime, and health disparities.
Structure and Features of the Website
BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com was structured with clarity and accessibility in mind. Its main components included:
Nomination System
Visitors could submit nominations for individuals or organizations making a difference through sport. The process required detailed submissions, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and measurable impact.
Monthly Award Announcements
The site regularly published profiles of monthly winners, detailing their initiatives, community impact, and personal motivations.
End-of-Season Recognition
All monthly winners were eligible for a larger annual award, adding prestige and continuity to the program.
FAQs and Terms
A comprehensive FAQ section clarified eligibility, deadlines, and rules, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Program Context
The site also explained the broader ecosystem of programs like Barclays Spaces for Sports, helping users understand how infrastructure and recognition worked together.
Award Mechanics and Incentives
The Barclays Community Sports Award followed a structured, incentive-driven model:
- Monthly winners received £1,000 for their organization
- Each winner received a commemorative trophy
- All winners were entered into a final competition
- The overall winner received an additional £5,000
- The final recipient was invited to London for a VIP award ceremony
The judging panel was led by Gareth Southgate, a respected figure in English football, adding credibility and public interest.
This combination of financial support and recognition made the award both practical and aspirational.
Notable Winners and Case Studies
One of the most compelling aspects of the website was its detailed coverage of award recipients. These stories illustrated the real-world impact of community sports initiatives.
Rabiya Ahmed – Preston
Rabiya Ahmed’s work with the Fishwick Rangers Youth Development Scheme stood out as a powerful example of inclusion. She focused on increasing participation among ethnic minority women, many of whom had previously faced cultural and social barriers to sport.
Her initiatives included:
- Women’s football teams
- Swimming and fitness programs
- Volunteer development programs
Her efforts significantly increased participation and empowerment within her community, earning her the overall award.
Jenny Leyland – Merseyside
At age 63, Jenny Leyland founded a junior football academy using her own funds. What began with eight children grew into a fully accredited club with dozens of members and trained coaches.
Her work emphasized:
- Youth development
- Health screening
- Community fundraising
- Coach education
Her recognition demonstrated that impact was not limited by age or resources, but driven by commitment.
Disability Inclusive Sports Club (DISC) – Towcester
DISC focused on providing accessible sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The club offered activities such as:
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Martial arts
- Badminton
Its growth to over 60 members reflected the demand for inclusive programming and the success of its model.
Andy Thorp – Street Soccer Manchester
Andy Thorp’s initiative used football to rehabilitate homeless individuals. Participants could gain coaching qualifications, build social connections, and improve employability.
This program highlighted sport’s role in addressing systemic social issues like homelessness and unemployment.
Akay Isola – All Stars Youth Club, London
Founded in 1974, this boxing club became a cornerstone of youth development in West London. Akay Isola’s work extended beyond sport, teaching discipline, respect, and life skills.
His recognition underscored the long-term value of sustained community engagement.
Barclays Spaces for Sports: Infrastructure and Legacy
A key component of the award ecosystem was Barclays Spaces for Sports, a program that invested in physical infrastructure.
Since 2004, the initiative had:
- Developed over 200 community sports sites in the UK
- Launched additional programs globally
- Partnered with the Football Foundation to maximize reach
These sites often included:
- Football pitches
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Multi-use game areas
One example frequently cited was a development in Portsmouth, which transformed underutilized land into a vibrant community hub.
This infrastructure ensured that the award was not just symbolic—it was supported by real, lasting investments.
Cultural and Social Significance
BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com represented more than a corporate initiative—it reflected a cultural shift in how sport was perceived and utilized.
Sport as Social Infrastructure
The program positioned sport as a tool for:
- Social inclusion
- Youth engagement
- Crime reduction
- Health promotion
Empowerment of Volunteers
Many award winners were volunteers, demonstrating the power of grassroots leadership.
Breaking Barriers
Programs often targeted marginalized groups, including:
- Ethnic minorities
- Women and girls
- Individuals with disabilities
- Economically disadvantaged youth
Community Identity
Local sports initiatives helped build identity, pride, and cohesion within communities.
Popularity and Reach
While BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com was not a high-traffic commercial website, it achieved significant visibility through:
- Integration with Premier League branding
- Media coverage of award winners
- Community-level promotion
- Partnerships with local councils and charities
Its influence was amplified by the prestige of its partners and the emotional resonance of its stories.
Media and Press Coverage
The award and its winners received coverage in:
- Local newspapers
- Community newsletters
- Sports media outlets
- Organizational press releases
Stories often focused on human interest angles—individual perseverance, community transformation, and the power of sport to change lives.
The involvement of high-profile figures like Gareth Southgate further increased media appeal.
Audience and User Base
The website catered to a diverse audience, including:
- Community leaders
- Coaches and volunteers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Educators
- Local government representatives
- General sports enthusiasts
It was particularly relevant to individuals involved in grassroots sports or social development initiatives.
Geographic Scope and Accessibility
The award was open to participants across the United Kingdom, including:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
This nationwide scope ensured broad representation and encouraged cross-regional inspiration.
Decline and Archival Status
By around 2012, BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com became inactive, likely due to shifts in corporate strategy and program consolidation.
However, its legacy persists through:
- Archived versions of the website
- Continued community programs funded by related initiatives
- Ongoing emphasis on grassroots sports development in the UK
The site remains a valuable historical record of early 2010s community engagement strategies.
Insights and Lasting Impact
The Barclays Community Sports Award demonstrated several key insights:
Recognition Drives Engagement
Public acknowledgment can motivate individuals and organizations to expand their efforts.
Small Grants, Big Impact
Relatively modest funding (£1,000–£5,000) can produce significant community benefits when applied effectively.
Storytelling Matters
Sharing detailed narratives of winners helped inspire others and validate the importance of grassroots work.
Partnerships Amplify Reach
Collaboration between corporations, sports organizations, and charities enhances credibility and effectiveness.
BarclaysCommunitySportsAward.com stands as an important example of how digital platforms can support real-world impact. Through its combination of recognition, funding, storytelling, and partnerships, the site helped elevate grassroots sports initiatives across the UK.
More than just an awards portal, it functioned as a catalyst for community development, highlighting the transformative potential of sport. Its legacy continues to influence how organizations approach social responsibility, community engagement, and the role of athletics in building stronger, more inclusive societies.
