The Sport for Development Coalition’s Impact Working Group has reconvened with a renewed focus on strengthening how the sector measures and demonstrates its impact. Now co-chaired by Tom Clarke-Forrest (Sport 4 Life UK) and Kelly Smith (Access Sport), the group has met twice since November, working to enhance the case for sport as a tool for positive change.

The group aims to:

• Improve how the sector measures impact – ensuring organisations can track and demonstrate the effectiveness of their work.
• Strengthen the case for sport for development – using evidence to highlight sport’s role in driving social change.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning – equipping organisations with the tools to showcase impact and share best practices.

Following the latest meeting earlier this month, co-chair Tom Clarke-Forrest (Sport 4 Life UK CEO) emphasised the importance of this work, stating:
“Measuring impact effectively is crucial to demonstrating the transformative power of sport for development. I’m pleased to see the group making progress in such a vital area.”

Co-chair Kelly Smith echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of collaboration in building a stronger sector:
“By fostering a culture of continuous learning and partnership, we can ensure that organisations are better equipped to showcase their impact and drive meaningful change in communities.”

With a shared commitment to evidence-led practice, the group is working alongside key partners to create a more robust and data-driven approach to sport for development.

Find out more about the Coalition’s work here.