Sport and Physical Activity Network Launched in Roehampton

Community partners boost effort to get area more active

Attendees at the launch of the Community Sport and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN). Picture: Wandsworth Council

March 27, 2025

A new alliance of community partners in the area is aiming to accelerate work to help more residents get active every day.

The Community Sport and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN) officially launched last week in Roehampton, bringing together a wide range of organisations around the opportunities that exist to break down barriers to physical activity.

The inaugural CSPAN event saw local running groups, sports organisations, and leisure providers come together to share ideas and ways to inspire movement in every corner of the community. Discussions focused on tackling obstacles that prevent people from participating in sport and physical activity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and inclusive for all.

The launch event was held in Roehampton to highlight a key focus of the strategy, bringing estate-based physical activity programmes directly to communities. One such success story is the pilot Couch to 5K programme on the Alton Estate, helping local residents take their first steps towards a more active lifestyle.

Encouraging more women and girls to participate in sport is another priority. Asma Choudhry, Chair of Roehampton Wellbeing for Women and Children, has played a key role in bringing women’s badminton sessions to Roehampton Sports Centre. She said: “Lots of people assume Asian women don’t engage in physical activities, but that’s not true. If the right facilities are available, they are more than willing to get involved.

“This launch is amazing because collaboration is key. When organisations connect, we can find more ways to support our communities and create real change.”

The launch featured keynote speeches from Kafui Brese, CEO of FAST London, a charity working with young people from ethnic minority backgrounds through sports and physical activities, and Caitlin Limmer from Bearcat, a community running club in Richmond.

The event was the first opportunity to bring partners together since the Wandsworth Moves Together strategy launched last summer, an initiative aimed at making sport and leisure affordable and available to everyone.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “We’re determined to make sure every resident in Wandsworth can benefit from the fantastic leisure opportunities available in our borough. But we know there are challenges to overcome, and we can’t do it alone.

“That’s why it was so inspiring to see so many incredible community partners, who are the beating heart of Wandsworth, come together to drive real change. By working side by side, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that physical activity is accessible for everyone.”

As part of this commitment, the council’s Access for All scheme is providing free or discounted access to sports and leisure facilities.

Keith Newton, former President and current coach at the Herne Hill Harriers, is one of the new Chairs of the CSPAN. In his opening remarks at the launch, he said, “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through my running club is the incredible power of partnership working, and that comes through very strongly in the Wandsworth Moves Together strategy.

“We need to work closely with health partners and schools, improve facilities across the borough, and focus on inclusivity for groups who aren’t currently accessing sports.”