An assessment on the strategic and opertational impact of the Futures Scheme to Liverpool City Council

Abstract

In 2006 Sports Services launched its Futures Scheme, an initiative that allowed children and young persons to access sports facilities at no charge. The drivers for the scheme introduction were cited as being to improve health and social benefits. Components of the research are operational impact and critical analysis of strategic change. The scheme is challenging Sports Services to indicate its value to the citizens of Liverpool by the removal of charges as a barrier to accessing sporting opportunities. Analysis has indicated that operational impact manifested in stress, communication failings and budgetary pressures. Further analysis also indicates that the provision and evaluation of such schemes require a multi agency approach due to the complexity of sport provision for children for health and social benefits. A review is required of the scheme that was initially popular but interest has declined due to lack of variety. The removal of price as a barrier is not sufficiently stimulating to maintain high attendances.