Understanding your community:
For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop or desktop. Make sure your volume is turned up or use your headphones so you don’t miss helpful cues and key insights throughout the course.
Sound on and screen ready!
Measuring impact with confidence
Get started
Introduction
Why understanding your community matters
Mapping and defining your community
Gathering and using insight
Measuring your impact
Next
Introduction
Next
Why understanding your community matters
What it means to understand your community
Understanding your community means knowing who the people around your club are, what matters to them, and how your club fits into their lives. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about people, stories, and connections. Click to see examples of who is in your community 👉
Next
Why it matters
When your club understands its community, everything you do becomes more focused, inclusive, and effective.
Better decisions
Stronger inclusion
Clearer funding cases
Greater trust
Understanding differences helps you welcome everyone
Insight and evidence show funders your real impact
Knowing your community helps you plan the right sessions, at the right time, for the right people
People feel seen, heard, and valued
Next
Why understanding your community matters
Scenario: Turning insight into action
Results
Next
Mapping and defining your community
What does “your community” mean?
Your community includes everyone connected to your club, participants, their families, local groups, schools, and networks. It’s more than just who takes part; it’s the ecosystem that surrounds and supports your club. Click each card to find out who could be in your community.
Connected community
Wider community
Core community
Current members, coaches, volunteers, and families
Local schools, nurseries, youth groups, or sports clubs
Residents, local businesses, health services, and councils
Next
Mapping and defining your community
Mapping your community
Community mapping helps you see who’s connected to your club and where the gaps or opportunities might be. You can do it on paper, a whiteboard, or using the community mapping and stakeholder toolkit in your action pack (downloaded at the end of the course)
Analyse and reflect
Show connection through stregnth
Potential partners or audiences
Example: A football club mapped all its local connections and noticed it had strong links with schools but none with community groups. They reached out to a local disability charity and co-hosted an inclusive taster session a small step that led to a lasting partnership.
Map your existing connections
Start with your club
Next
Mapping and defining your community
Defining and prioritising groups
Everyone in your community has different needs and influence, but each group plays a role in your club’s success. By understanding who they are and how they connect, you can focus your time and communication where it makes the biggest impact.
Potential participants
Influencers
Participants
Partners
Next
Collecting insight that matters
Next
Gathering and using insight
What counts as insight?
Insight is the information that helps you make better decisions for your club. It’s more than just data, it’s what you learn when you listen, observe, and connect. Click below to explore the different types of information that together, help you understand what your community truly needs.
Data
Feedback
Stories
Observation
Next
Gathering and using insight
Turning insight into action
Collecting information only matters if it leads to change. The goal is to spot patterns, talk about what they mean, and act quickly. Small insights can spark big improvements when your club is ready to listen and respond.
Teens wanted more independence
Parents struggled with early starts
Local partners lacked updates
Tip: share your results openly - it shows people you listen, builds trust, and encourages others to share feedback in future. Insight only creates impact when it leads to visible action.
Next
Reflection: From insight to improvement
You’ve explored how to listen to your community, gather feedback, and act on what you learn. Now it’s time to pause and think about how this applies to your own club, consider:
- How does your club currently gather feedback from members, families, and partners?
- Do you act on what you hear and show people what’s changed as a result?
- Where could you make listening more consistent or inclusive?
+ Mini task
Next
Measuring your impact
What does “impact” really mean?
Impact is about more than numbers, it’s the change your club creates for people and your community. Each layer of impact tells part of the story of your difference.
Personal impact
Community impact
Organisational impact
Improvements for individual's confidence, friendships, or wellbeing.Example: A young gymnast gains confidence after performing in front of an audience for the first time.
Benefits for the wider local area stronger relationships, inclusion, and connection. Example: Families from different backgrounds meet through open sessions, creating a more inclusive club culture.
How your club grows and sustains itself, new volunteers, stronger partnerships, and funding success. Example: Improved communication and transparency help the club secure new local sponsors.
Next
Measuring impact
What to measure
Focus on what matters most to your club and community. Impact can be measured through people, participation, and progress. Example: a football academy measured the number of new families from target postcodes after introducing a low-cost session. It showed clear inclusion growth and strengthened their funding case. Click to see what key areas you should track. 👉
Next
Measuring your impact
What to measure
Impact isn’t just about data, it’s about understanding the difference your club makes for people, participation, and progress. Tap the below to explore what to focus on and how to track it effectively.
Progress
People
Participation
Measure what tells your story, not just what’s easy to count.
Next
Measuring your impact
Collecting and interpreting your data
The way you collect and interpret information shapes the story you tell about your club’s impact. Click below to reveal practical tips to make your data meaningful, consistent, and easy to share.
Keep it simple
Do
Collect and forget
Don't
Collect little and often
Chase perfection
Don't
Do
Mix numbers and stories
Do
Collect without purpose
Don't
Tip: The best data is collected with purpose and shared with people.
Next
Measuring your impact
Communicating your impact
How you share your results matters just as much as what you measure. Different audiences care about different things - tailor your message so everyone can see the value your club brings. Click each card to explore what to focus on for key audiences.
The wider community
Members and families
Funders and partners
Focus on outcomes, not just outputs
Make impact personal and relatable
Show how your club contributes to local wellbeing and pride
Next
Reflection: Turning understanding into impact
You’ve explored how to understand your community, gather meaningful insight, and measure the difference your club makes - now it’s time to turn that learning into action. Think about:
- Who’s engaging and who might be missing?
- How often you collect feedback and how you use it to shape decisions
- How clearly you can show the positive difference your club makes for people and your community
+ Mini task
Next
FAQ's
What if we find gaps or low engagement from certain groups?
What’s the best way to get honest feedback from our members?
How often should we review our community insight?
How can we share our impact if we’re not confident with reports?
We’re a small club, do we really need to collect data?
Next
Ready to put your knowledge into action?
Audio
We’ve put together a set of practical resources to help you take the next steps with confidence:
Community mapping and stakeholder toolkit
Community snapshot worksheet
Impact measurement framework
Insight log and feedback tracker
Click ‘Save and exit’ at the top right, and we’ll send your action pack straight to your email inbox!
The club added a later Saturday class, and attendance rose by nearly 20%.
Mini task
Choose one small action to strengthen how you understand and demonstrate impact, you could:
- Map your community connections
- Refresh how you collect and record feedback
- Create a short “impact snapshot” to share with families, funders, or partners
Tip: Every insight helps you listen and learn. Use this to grow your club’s impact one action at a time.
Map your exisiting connections
Add everyone your club already connects with - members, parents, volunteers, local schools, or partner clubs.Example: The club adds “local primary schools”, “Active Partnership”, and “local café sponsor.” Tip: Start with what’s obvious, you’ll spot new links once the basics are on the page.
Examples of your community:
- The families who attend your sessions and why they choose your club
- The local schools, charities, and groups that shape your area
Tip: A good understanding, blends data with empathy. Facts tell you what’s happening, people tell you why. Knowing your community helps you build stronger relationships and deliver activities that truly matter.
Focus on a few key measures that matter to your goals, not everything that’s easy to count. Example: one club tracked only three things: attendance, volunteer hours, and member satisfaction and doubled its renewal funding as a result.
Do
Progress
Look beyond attendance, focus on what’s improving: skills, partnerships, or funding success.
Example: after mentoring a volunteer into a paid coach role, the club recorded higher retention and stronger team culture.
Tip: review outcomes quarterly, not yearly. Small wins build your impact picture over time.
Don't
Data has no value if it stays in a spreadsheet, share it back with your community. Tip: A “you said, we did” update builds trust and keeps people engaged.
Don't
Gathering data just for the sake of it creates confusion and wasted effort. Every question you ask should have a reason behind it, what decision will it help you make? Example: If you can’t explain why you’re collecting it, you probably don’t need it.
Potential participants
Who are they: people who could join but haven’t yet - often because of barriers like time, confidence, access, or awareness.Why they matter: these groups represent your growth potential and inclusion impact. Example: after mapping their area, a club realised very few children from local social housing estates attended. They piloted a school outreach taster to bridge the gap. Tip: partner with trusted local groups or schools to reach people who might not respond to traditional marketing.
Identify
Who could be affected?List the groups or individuals that may experience a positive or negative impact. Consider protected characteristics (e.g. age, disability, race, sex) and wider barriers such as cost, confidence, or access. Example: A price increase might affect lower-income families or single parents more than others.
Do
Short, regular feedback builds clearer insight than one big survey. Example: A youth club added one quick question at sign-in each month. It showed what kept teens returning.
Funders and partners
Example: instead of saying “we ran 12 sessions,” say “90% of participants reported feeling more confident.” Tip: use simple visuals like infographics or short summaries to make reports more engaging
We’re a small club, do we really need to collect data?
Where to go for support: Check the impact measurement framework template for examples of small-scale data that funders still value.
Answer: Yes, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small bits of information, like postcode lists, attendance numbers, or quick parent quotes, show your value.
Do
Combine stats (how many) with stories (why it matters), to show real impact. Example: “our 10 new volunteers each support 15 children weekly”, paints a picture both funders and families understand.
What’s the best way to get honest feedback from our members?
Where to go for support: See the gathering insight guide in your action pack for short, ready-to-use question examples and feedback prompts.
Answer: Keep it simple and human. Short, anonymous forms or informal chats at sessions often work better than formal surveys. Show people you’ve listened, that’s what builds trust.
Participants
Who are they: the people who take part in your sessions and activities, and the members directly involved in your organisation.Why they matter: they’re your core audience and your best source of insight, they already know what works and what could improve.Example: a gymnastics club noticed most of its members were aged 4–10. After reviewing waiting lists, they identified a need to grow teenage sessions. Tip: use feedback surveys or informal chats to find out what keeps people engaged and what might cause them to leave.
Start with your club
Place your club name at the centre of the page, this represents your hub or starting point for all community connections. Example: A gymnastics club writes “Phoenix Gymnastics” in the middle of the map. Tip: Keep it visual, use a large sheet or digital whiteboard so others can add ideas easily.
The result
Increased participation & reach
- Within six months, the new offer led to a significant rise in membership
- 40% of new members were from families who had never engaged with sport before, demonstrating that demand was always there, it just needed to be accessible
Improved inclusion & reduced barriers
- By shifting sessions to a local community centre and reducing cost, the club removed key barriers such as transport, timing and affordability
- Families from previously underrepresented or higher-deprivation areas began to feel welcomed and included
Better relationships with community partners
- Schools, community centres and parents felt listened to and involved in the solution
- This strengthened local trust, opened doors to future collaborations and created a shared sense of ownership
Proof of impact led to funding & growth
- Because the club could clearly demonstrate increased reach and social impact, they successfully secured a small Sport England grant to expand the programme
- Insight-driven decision-making now became part of how the club planned future sessions and funding bids
A short quarterly email roundup now keeps everyone informed and has led to more joint events.
Feedback
What people say in surveys, conversations, or social posts. Example: parents mention difficulty finding parking, prompting schedule changes.
People
Track who takes part and what changes for them, in confidence, wellbeing, or connection. Example: after running a new parent-child session, 85% of families said they felt “more connected” to the club community.
Tip: short surveys or informal chats can reveal powerful personal stories, don’t underestimate them.
Key areas to track:
- People - who takes part, how they feel, what changes for them
- Participation - attendance, retention, volunteering, new audiences
- Progress - skills gained, partnerships formed, funding achieved
Tip: Measure what tells your story, not just what’s easy to count.
Partners
Who they are: organisations or networks that can help you reach, support, or resource your community. Why they matter: strong partnerships expand your capacity and reputation. You can do more together than alone. Example: a netball club worked with the council’s public health team to run a free “fit for mums” programme that supported local wellbeing goals. Tip: look for mutual benefit, what’s in it for them as well as you.
Analyse and reflect
Step back and look for patterns, gaps, or missed opportunities.Ask: who’s missing, who overlaps, and where could stronger partnerships grow? Example: The club notices no links with youth-focused organisations, leading to a new collaboration with a local youth project. Tip: Save your map and revisit it every 6–12 months your community evolves.
Members and families
Example: share short stories about what’s changed for people, a child’s confidence, a volunteer’s progress, or a family’s connection.Tip: include photos, quotes, or short video clips where possible, real voices make results feel authentic.
Show connection through strength
Use different line styles or colours to show how strong or regular each connection is (thick lines = strong links, dotted lines = weak or occasional contact).Example: The club draws solid lines to “schools” and “Active Partnership”, but dotted ones to “local council”. Tip: Invite your team or committee to add their own connections. Everyone’s network looks different.
How can we share our impact if we’re not confident with reports?
Where to go for support: Use the impact snapshot template in your action pack for an easy drag-and-drop layout to share your story visually.
Answer: Impact doesn’t have to mean long documents, a one-page “snapshot” or a few social posts can work just as well. Use photos, quotes, and one or two key stats that tell your story clearly.
What if we find gaps or low engagement from certain groups?
Where to go for support: Your local Active Partnership or Sported UK network can help connect you with inclusion specialists and local partners.
Answer: That’s a positive first step, identifying who’s missing helps you act intentionally. Reach out through trusted local partners, schools, or community groups to understand barriers and co-design solutions.
Influencers
Who they are: individuals or groups who shape opinions, decisions, or behaviour in your community. They might not attend your sessions, but they influence others who do.Why they matter: positive relationships with key influencers help build credibility and word-of-mouth awareness. Example: a youth club connected with local faith leaders to promote inclusive sport sessions to under-represented families. Tip: identify and connect with your community’s “connectors” (people others listen to or trust).
New train-and-support roles for 15–17-year-olds gave young people ownership and confidence.
Mini task
Choose one area of your club, such as communication, programming, or volunteer experience. Note one way you could start collecting insight more regularly.Example: "We’ll add a quick two-question feedback form at the end of each term to capture parent views.” Listening builds trust and acting on what you hear turns trust into progress.
How often should we review our community insight?
Answer: Review your insight at least once a year, ideally before planning your next programme or funding bid. Keep listening in small ways all year round through short surveys, feedback chats, and session observations.
Where to go for support: Use the community snapshot worksheet in your action pack to review what’s changed and identify new priorities.
Observation
What you see or experience first-hand. Example: coaches notice older gymnasts stepping back after exams which gives insight for retention planning.
Potential partners or audiences
Include groups or individuals you don’t currently engage with but could think of, who’s missing from your activities or networks.Example: The club adds “disability support group”, “local youth centre”, and “community housing association”. Tip: Use insight tools or local data (e.g. school or council reports) to find under-represented groups.
Don't
Insight is about direction, not perfection. It’s better to start small and improve than wait for the perfect system. Example: One club began with paper tick sheets and now uses a simple online form.
Participation
Measure how many take part, who returns, and whether new audiences are joining in.
Example: adding an inclusive open gym night brought 30 new teenagers who hadn’t engaged before.
Tip: Use registers, waiting lists, and volunteer logs - data you already have tells a story of growth.
Wider community
Example: highlight collaborations with schools, local businesses, or charities that bring community benefits.Tip: use local media, social channels, or newsletters to celebrate wins and thank supporters.
Numbers and facts such as membership trends, postcodes, or attendance rates. Example: 70% of members live within 2 miles, suggesting local loyalty but limited outreach.
Data
Stories
Personal experiences that show real-world impact. Example: a parent shares how volunteering improved their confidence, this is great for funding reports.
Understanding your community:
Jess Melville
Created on October 10, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Geographical Challenge: Drag to the map
View
Decisions and Behaviors in the Workplace
View
Tangram Game
View
Process Flow: Corporate Recruitment
View
Weekly Corporate Challenge
View
Wellbeing and Healthy Routines
View
Match the Verbs in Spanish: Present and Past
Explore all templates
Transcript
Understanding your community:
For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop or desktop. Make sure your volume is turned up or use your headphones so you don’t miss helpful cues and key insights throughout the course.
Sound on and screen ready!
Measuring impact with confidence
Get started
Introduction
Why understanding your community matters
Mapping and defining your community
Gathering and using insight
Measuring your impact
Next
Introduction
Next
Why understanding your community matters
What it means to understand your community
Understanding your community means knowing who the people around your club are, what matters to them, and how your club fits into their lives. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about people, stories, and connections. Click to see examples of who is in your community 👉
Next
Why it matters
When your club understands its community, everything you do becomes more focused, inclusive, and effective.
Better decisions
Stronger inclusion
Clearer funding cases
Greater trust
Understanding differences helps you welcome everyone
Insight and evidence show funders your real impact
Knowing your community helps you plan the right sessions, at the right time, for the right people
People feel seen, heard, and valued
Next
Why understanding your community matters
Scenario: Turning insight into action
Results
Next
Mapping and defining your community
What does “your community” mean?
Your community includes everyone connected to your club, participants, their families, local groups, schools, and networks. It’s more than just who takes part; it’s the ecosystem that surrounds and supports your club. Click each card to find out who could be in your community.
Connected community
Wider community
Core community
Current members, coaches, volunteers, and families
Local schools, nurseries, youth groups, or sports clubs
Residents, local businesses, health services, and councils
Next
Mapping and defining your community
Mapping your community
Community mapping helps you see who’s connected to your club and where the gaps or opportunities might be. You can do it on paper, a whiteboard, or using the community mapping and stakeholder toolkit in your action pack (downloaded at the end of the course)
Analyse and reflect
Show connection through stregnth
Potential partners or audiences
Example: A football club mapped all its local connections and noticed it had strong links with schools but none with community groups. They reached out to a local disability charity and co-hosted an inclusive taster session a small step that led to a lasting partnership.
Map your existing connections
Start with your club
Next
Mapping and defining your community
Defining and prioritising groups
Everyone in your community has different needs and influence, but each group plays a role in your club’s success. By understanding who they are and how they connect, you can focus your time and communication where it makes the biggest impact.
Potential participants
Influencers
Participants
Partners
Next
Collecting insight that matters
Next
Gathering and using insight
What counts as insight?
Insight is the information that helps you make better decisions for your club. It’s more than just data, it’s what you learn when you listen, observe, and connect. Click below to explore the different types of information that together, help you understand what your community truly needs.
Data
Feedback
Stories
Observation
Next
Gathering and using insight
Turning insight into action
Collecting information only matters if it leads to change. The goal is to spot patterns, talk about what they mean, and act quickly. Small insights can spark big improvements when your club is ready to listen and respond.
Teens wanted more independence
Parents struggled with early starts
Local partners lacked updates
Tip: share your results openly - it shows people you listen, builds trust, and encourages others to share feedback in future. Insight only creates impact when it leads to visible action.
Next
Reflection: From insight to improvement
You’ve explored how to listen to your community, gather feedback, and act on what you learn. Now it’s time to pause and think about how this applies to your own club, consider:
+ Mini task
Next
Measuring your impact
What does “impact” really mean?
Impact is about more than numbers, it’s the change your club creates for people and your community. Each layer of impact tells part of the story of your difference.
Personal impact
Community impact
Organisational impact
Improvements for individual's confidence, friendships, or wellbeing.Example: A young gymnast gains confidence after performing in front of an audience for the first time.
Benefits for the wider local area stronger relationships, inclusion, and connection. Example: Families from different backgrounds meet through open sessions, creating a more inclusive club culture.
How your club grows and sustains itself, new volunteers, stronger partnerships, and funding success. Example: Improved communication and transparency help the club secure new local sponsors.
Next
Measuring impact
What to measure
Focus on what matters most to your club and community. Impact can be measured through people, participation, and progress. Example: a football academy measured the number of new families from target postcodes after introducing a low-cost session. It showed clear inclusion growth and strengthened their funding case. Click to see what key areas you should track. 👉
Next
Measuring your impact
What to measure
Impact isn’t just about data, it’s about understanding the difference your club makes for people, participation, and progress. Tap the below to explore what to focus on and how to track it effectively.
Progress
People
Participation
Measure what tells your story, not just what’s easy to count.
Next
Measuring your impact
Collecting and interpreting your data
The way you collect and interpret information shapes the story you tell about your club’s impact. Click below to reveal practical tips to make your data meaningful, consistent, and easy to share.
Keep it simple
Do
Collect and forget
Don't
Collect little and often
Chase perfection
Don't
Do
Mix numbers and stories
Do
Collect without purpose
Don't
Tip: The best data is collected with purpose and shared with people.
Next
Measuring your impact
Communicating your impact
How you share your results matters just as much as what you measure. Different audiences care about different things - tailor your message so everyone can see the value your club brings. Click each card to explore what to focus on for key audiences.
The wider community
Members and families
Funders and partners
Focus on outcomes, not just outputs
Make impact personal and relatable
Show how your club contributes to local wellbeing and pride
Next
Reflection: Turning understanding into impact
You’ve explored how to understand your community, gather meaningful insight, and measure the difference your club makes - now it’s time to turn that learning into action. Think about:
+ Mini task
Next
FAQ's
What if we find gaps or low engagement from certain groups?
What’s the best way to get honest feedback from our members?
How often should we review our community insight?
How can we share our impact if we’re not confident with reports?
We’re a small club, do we really need to collect data?
Next
Ready to put your knowledge into action?
Audio
We’ve put together a set of practical resources to help you take the next steps with confidence:
Community mapping and stakeholder toolkit
Community snapshot worksheet
Impact measurement framework
Insight log and feedback tracker
Click ‘Save and exit’ at the top right, and we’ll send your action pack straight to your email inbox!
The club added a later Saturday class, and attendance rose by nearly 20%.
Mini task
Choose one small action to strengthen how you understand and demonstrate impact, you could:
- Create a short “impact snapshot” to share with families, funders, or partners
Tip: Every insight helps you listen and learn. Use this to grow your club’s impact one action at a time.Map your exisiting connections
Add everyone your club already connects with - members, parents, volunteers, local schools, or partner clubs.Example: The club adds “local primary schools”, “Active Partnership”, and “local café sponsor.” Tip: Start with what’s obvious, you’ll spot new links once the basics are on the page.
Examples of your community:
- The local schools, charities, and groups that shape your area
Tip: A good understanding, blends data with empathy. Facts tell you what’s happening, people tell you why. Knowing your community helps you build stronger relationships and deliver activities that truly matter.Focus on a few key measures that matter to your goals, not everything that’s easy to count. Example: one club tracked only three things: attendance, volunteer hours, and member satisfaction and doubled its renewal funding as a result.
Do
Progress
Look beyond attendance, focus on what’s improving: skills, partnerships, or funding success. Example: after mentoring a volunteer into a paid coach role, the club recorded higher retention and stronger team culture. Tip: review outcomes quarterly, not yearly. Small wins build your impact picture over time.
Don't
Data has no value if it stays in a spreadsheet, share it back with your community. Tip: A “you said, we did” update builds trust and keeps people engaged.
Don't
Gathering data just for the sake of it creates confusion and wasted effort. Every question you ask should have a reason behind it, what decision will it help you make? Example: If you can’t explain why you’re collecting it, you probably don’t need it.
Potential participants
Who are they: people who could join but haven’t yet - often because of barriers like time, confidence, access, or awareness.Why they matter: these groups represent your growth potential and inclusion impact. Example: after mapping their area, a club realised very few children from local social housing estates attended. They piloted a school outreach taster to bridge the gap. Tip: partner with trusted local groups or schools to reach people who might not respond to traditional marketing.
Identify
Who could be affected?List the groups or individuals that may experience a positive or negative impact. Consider protected characteristics (e.g. age, disability, race, sex) and wider barriers such as cost, confidence, or access. Example: A price increase might affect lower-income families or single parents more than others.
Do
Short, regular feedback builds clearer insight than one big survey. Example: A youth club added one quick question at sign-in each month. It showed what kept teens returning.
Funders and partners
Example: instead of saying “we ran 12 sessions,” say “90% of participants reported feeling more confident.” Tip: use simple visuals like infographics or short summaries to make reports more engaging
We’re a small club, do we really need to collect data?
Where to go for support: Check the impact measurement framework template for examples of small-scale data that funders still value.
Answer: Yes, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small bits of information, like postcode lists, attendance numbers, or quick parent quotes, show your value.
Do
Combine stats (how many) with stories (why it matters), to show real impact. Example: “our 10 new volunteers each support 15 children weekly”, paints a picture both funders and families understand.
What’s the best way to get honest feedback from our members?
Where to go for support: See the gathering insight guide in your action pack for short, ready-to-use question examples and feedback prompts.
Answer: Keep it simple and human. Short, anonymous forms or informal chats at sessions often work better than formal surveys. Show people you’ve listened, that’s what builds trust.
Participants
Who are they: the people who take part in your sessions and activities, and the members directly involved in your organisation.Why they matter: they’re your core audience and your best source of insight, they already know what works and what could improve.Example: a gymnastics club noticed most of its members were aged 4–10. After reviewing waiting lists, they identified a need to grow teenage sessions. Tip: use feedback surveys or informal chats to find out what keeps people engaged and what might cause them to leave.
Start with your club
Place your club name at the centre of the page, this represents your hub or starting point for all community connections. Example: A gymnastics club writes “Phoenix Gymnastics” in the middle of the map. Tip: Keep it visual, use a large sheet or digital whiteboard so others can add ideas easily.
The result
Increased participation & reach
- 40% of new members were from families who had never engaged with sport before, demonstrating that demand was always there, it just needed to be accessible
Improved inclusion & reduced barriers- Families from previously underrepresented or higher-deprivation areas began to feel welcomed and included
Better relationships with community partners- This strengthened local trust, opened doors to future collaborations and created a shared sense of ownership
Proof of impact led to funding & growthA short quarterly email roundup now keeps everyone informed and has led to more joint events.
Feedback
What people say in surveys, conversations, or social posts. Example: parents mention difficulty finding parking, prompting schedule changes.
People
Track who takes part and what changes for them, in confidence, wellbeing, or connection. Example: after running a new parent-child session, 85% of families said they felt “more connected” to the club community. Tip: short surveys or informal chats can reveal powerful personal stories, don’t underestimate them.
Key areas to track:
- Progress - skills gained, partnerships formed, funding achieved
Tip: Measure what tells your story, not just what’s easy to count.Partners
Who they are: organisations or networks that can help you reach, support, or resource your community. Why they matter: strong partnerships expand your capacity and reputation. You can do more together than alone. Example: a netball club worked with the council’s public health team to run a free “fit for mums” programme that supported local wellbeing goals. Tip: look for mutual benefit, what’s in it for them as well as you.
Analyse and reflect
Step back and look for patterns, gaps, or missed opportunities.Ask: who’s missing, who overlaps, and where could stronger partnerships grow? Example: The club notices no links with youth-focused organisations, leading to a new collaboration with a local youth project. Tip: Save your map and revisit it every 6–12 months your community evolves.
Members and families
Example: share short stories about what’s changed for people, a child’s confidence, a volunteer’s progress, or a family’s connection.Tip: include photos, quotes, or short video clips where possible, real voices make results feel authentic.
Show connection through strength
Use different line styles or colours to show how strong or regular each connection is (thick lines = strong links, dotted lines = weak or occasional contact).Example: The club draws solid lines to “schools” and “Active Partnership”, but dotted ones to “local council”. Tip: Invite your team or committee to add their own connections. Everyone’s network looks different.
How can we share our impact if we’re not confident with reports?
Where to go for support: Use the impact snapshot template in your action pack for an easy drag-and-drop layout to share your story visually.
Answer: Impact doesn’t have to mean long documents, a one-page “snapshot” or a few social posts can work just as well. Use photos, quotes, and one or two key stats that tell your story clearly.
What if we find gaps or low engagement from certain groups?
Where to go for support: Your local Active Partnership or Sported UK network can help connect you with inclusion specialists and local partners.
Answer: That’s a positive first step, identifying who’s missing helps you act intentionally. Reach out through trusted local partners, schools, or community groups to understand barriers and co-design solutions.
Influencers
Who they are: individuals or groups who shape opinions, decisions, or behaviour in your community. They might not attend your sessions, but they influence others who do.Why they matter: positive relationships with key influencers help build credibility and word-of-mouth awareness. Example: a youth club connected with local faith leaders to promote inclusive sport sessions to under-represented families. Tip: identify and connect with your community’s “connectors” (people others listen to or trust).
New train-and-support roles for 15–17-year-olds gave young people ownership and confidence.
Mini task
Choose one area of your club, such as communication, programming, or volunteer experience. Note one way you could start collecting insight more regularly.Example: "We’ll add a quick two-question feedback form at the end of each term to capture parent views.” Listening builds trust and acting on what you hear turns trust into progress.
How often should we review our community insight?
Answer: Review your insight at least once a year, ideally before planning your next programme or funding bid. Keep listening in small ways all year round through short surveys, feedback chats, and session observations.
Where to go for support: Use the community snapshot worksheet in your action pack to review what’s changed and identify new priorities.
Observation
What you see or experience first-hand. Example: coaches notice older gymnasts stepping back after exams which gives insight for retention planning.
Potential partners or audiences
Include groups or individuals you don’t currently engage with but could think of, who’s missing from your activities or networks.Example: The club adds “disability support group”, “local youth centre”, and “community housing association”. Tip: Use insight tools or local data (e.g. school or council reports) to find under-represented groups.
Don't
Insight is about direction, not perfection. It’s better to start small and improve than wait for the perfect system. Example: One club began with paper tick sheets and now uses a simple online form.
Participation
Measure how many take part, who returns, and whether new audiences are joining in. Example: adding an inclusive open gym night brought 30 new teenagers who hadn’t engaged before. Tip: Use registers, waiting lists, and volunteer logs - data you already have tells a story of growth.
Wider community
Example: highlight collaborations with schools, local businesses, or charities that bring community benefits.Tip: use local media, social channels, or newsletters to celebrate wins and thank supporters.
Numbers and facts such as membership trends, postcodes, or attendance rates. Example: 70% of members live within 2 miles, suggesting local loyalty but limited outreach.
Data
Stories
Personal experiences that show real-world impact. Example: a parent shares how volunteering improved their confidence, this is great for funding reports.