East-links: Leading the Field
Offering free sport and active leisure
training opportunities in the
East of England

On 1st April 2009 a new project started in the East of England that offers fully funded training courses for individuals who are employed or regularly volunteer in the sport and active leisure sector. Managed by ACER (the Association of Colleges in the Eastern Region) and delivered by County Sport Partnerships, FE Colleges and National Governing Bodies of Sport, the project will offer the opportunity to access sport and active leisure qualifications that are 100% funded. A number of training courses will be provided across the region to the meet the project's targets:

• 750 Coaching qualifications in a number of sports.
• 200 Officiating qualifications in a range of sports.
• 25 Coach tutor qualifications.
• 100 Health and fitness qualifications.
• 100 Leisure facilities / operator qualifications.
• 100 Community sport qualifications such as mentoring.
• 100 organisations to receive management development support and advice.

The project is managed by ACER working in partnership with SkillsActive, Sport England, Sports Coach UK, County Sports Partnerships, Further Education colleges, National Governing Bodies and providers across the region.

Application Process

How to apply

To find out if funding is still available in your area of interest please contact the relevant project co-ordinator in your county.

East-links - inspired by London 2012 Games

East-links: leading the field is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

The Inspire programme is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games; a broad participation programme spanning sport participation, education, sustainability, volunteering and business opportunities & skills. New opportunities are being created to inspire young people and encourage for the whole of the UK to join in.

In the summer of 2012, the UK will come alive with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our four-year Cultural Olympiad will reach a climax with the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 27 July. It starts a 60-day festival of sport and culture across the UK – the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For the first time, these two events have been planned together from the very beginning. By thinking about the needs of both Olympic and Paralympic athletes and spectators at each point in our plans, we can create the best possible Games experience for everyone.

PODIUM - the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 Games

Are you from further/higher Education? Click here to visit "PODIUM - the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 Games".