Regular readers of my blog at cowanglobal.com will know that I frequently return to the topic of strategy for the development sport and the ineptitude of consecutive governments on the subject.

However, as with all aspects of life there are also a number of apparently non sporting government decisions which will have a significant effect on grass roots sport and its ability to grow – or even stand still. As any half-way competent strategist will tell you 'cause and effect' should always be considered as 'big picture' considerations where, unfortunately.. Read More »

By Linda Plowright

Some years ago – after already clocking up 20 years in management of mass community sports participation – I was rendered speechless by a new link officer from another national sporting body earnestly impressing upon me that what I needed to do was to "work in partnership with other sports bodies". Wasn't that rather an obvious piece of advice? Some 10 years later this moment has still left its mark and it is now impossible to go through a day without our Government agencies, funders and customers all exhorting the same 'best practice'. Now don't get me wrong. I'm all in.. Read More »