the Sports Trust – Community Connects Through Sport

The Sports Trust is a charitable initiative here in Folkestone. It aims to bring people together through sport and being active.  It has been running since 2013 and has built up community groups of all ages that work together to get active.  Chief Executive Laurence Hickmott outlined the Trust’s vision for the next 5 years.  They aim to work with more groups in society, particularly focusing on getting people back into work via sports and fitness.

Data recently published by Sport England show that people living in Folkestone are becoming more active.  Over 64% of our population is exercising more than 150 minutes a week.  There are activities focused on specific community groups such as Active 50, Active at Work, Active Families, Young People, Women and everyone!   The Sports Trust also offers training opportunities for anyone wanting to become more qualified in their field.

Volunteer Support

The Sports Trust charity is supported by volunteers of all ages and it doesn’t matter how sporty you are, as long as you are keen to help build the family feel and watch the Trust grow within the community. You could be a ‘Walk Leader’ or help clear up after session held in the Three Hills Sports centre.  There’s a huge variety of volunteering activities for people to get involved in to help keep Folkestone moving!

There’s the Learn, Assist and Earn programme for 16-25-year-olds where young people can gain training qualifications.  They also learn essential administration and marketing skills and you could become a future trainer at the SST.

Schools hub outreach

The Sports Trust Schools Hub is a vital part of the charity’s work. Having access to the resources the Trust has on offer really widens the variety of sports our young people can learn in Folkestone. Schools can also compete in events alongside other schools in the area.  This really shows how much we value the importance of sporting activities here.

As well as community groups and school activities, there are also club activities for the more serious sports-person. Having access to amazing coaches and resources allows everyone to compete at different levels, some national, and also gives them the support they need to do this. Our brilliant athletes then become ambassadors and help train up the next generation. Look out for Josh Kennedy competing internationally in Bantamweight Boxing, Olivia Fox is the First Derby County Ladies Scholar, and Storm Porter, ranked 15th in the world at Baton Twirling.

The Shepway Sports Trust changed its name to The Sports Trust in March 2022.