Introducing CSSC's Sports Tiering Framework

Sports Programme: Tier 1 and 2 Update.

We are excited to announce that we have full Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams now in place. Millie Doherty is the new Tier 1 Manager, with Rachel Pearce as the Tier 2 Manager. Millie is supported by Tier 1 Coordinators, Georgia Snook and Kaysha Wise. Rachel has Kirsten Ball and newly appointed Mahir Kabir supporting Tier 2.

What do Tier 1 and Tier 2 Mean?

Tier 1 sports will focus on stand-out national events with real ‘wow’ factor, alongside delivering accessible local activity. Tier 2 sports will continue to focus on “local-to-me” opportunities delivered with National Governing Bodies and local partners.

To make things simpler, the Sports & Physical Activity team will now take the lead on event planning, finances and administration for Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities. Volunteers remain a vital part of CSSC sport, and by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, we want volunteering to be easier and for you to focus on the parts of volunteering you enjoy the most.

So, you’re probably wondering, “What will my sport look like in 2026?” / What’s Coming Next?

We’ve been working closely with volunteers to shape the Tier 1 plans for 2026. These plans are now coming together, with final 1:1 conversations taking place across each sport.

There are going to be some exciting developments for many of our sports as we focus on creating a modern, member-centred and insight-driven programme that prioritises quality, inclusivity and financial sustainability. We want to help our members discover ways to get active that fit their lives, workplaces and communities, while making volunteering simpler and more enjoyable.  You will soon see the full programme of events in the new year, with Tier 1 events going live on the website soon.

 Our focus for Tier 2 is to trial and develop local partner-led initiatives that work for each sport – recognising that one size doesn't fit all. From January, the team will be in touch to arrange 1:1 conversations with volunteers to talk through priorities, ideas and plans for the year ahead. This is an exciting opportunity to grow participation in a more targeted and sustainable way, shaping a more modern, member-centred programme, all whilst keeping volunteering simple and enjoyable.

Meet the NW Hub Team

Introducing your North West Regional Hub team! From L-R: 

• Michael Gainsborough-Adam, Sports Development Officer.
• Oisin O’Cleirigh, Product Coordinator.
• Kate Hanlon, NW Regional Hub Manager.
• Caitlin Rawlings, Local Events Coordinator.

The NW Hub team have made a great start to the Regional Hub trial, and we’d like to share some of the positive feedback that’s been received from events so far.

❝“Trying out a sport I had never played before, which was exciting and great fun. It was a very friendly and    enjoyable atmosphere - organiser and coach excellent." Padel event, 25th November, Liverpool 

 ❝“These events make me feel part of a community”

 ❝ “I love CSSC membership because I can attend with my 19-year-old son” Reformer Pilates event, 19th October, Manchester

To find out more about what’s happening across the North West, visit the NW page for a full list of events, activities, sports, and local offers.

Regional Hub Trial

At CSSC, we're constantly exploring ways to improve our members’ experience and increase the value they gain, with a particular focus on delivering strong local events, activities and sports to benefit everyone, regardless of where they live.

As a result, we're excited to announce that last year embarked on a Regional Hub trial in the North West of England.

This initiative redefines how CSSC's offer is tailored and delivered to best align with our members’ location. After a period of extensive research — including consultation with staff, volunteers and members — and with final approval from the Board, we launched a one-year trial of a new delivery model.

So, what does all this mean?

A dedicated CSSC staff team with fantastic local knowledge— comprising a Regional Hub Manager, Sport Development Officer, Product & Partnership Coordinator, and Local Events Coordinator — will lead all activity in the North West. Using their regional knowledge and data-driven insight, they're delivering a comprehensive calendar of sport, events and activities, tailored to the area and the people who live, work and visit there.

The team aims to bring a wider range of sporting opportunities, new partnerships and more discounts for popular local attractions. At the same time, we’ll continue to offer the broad range of events you already love.

Volunteers remain integral to the success of this trial. We aim to refresh their roles by bringing more of the fun back. To achieve this the committee structures will change, and we’ll move away from the affiliate model, reducing the administrative burden that many volunteers have cited as a barrier to focusing on engaging members and supporting events.

And, as always, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your feedback with us.

Introducing CSSC's Sports Tiering Framework- 1

As part of our Sports Transformation Programme, we’ve introduced a tiered framework to prioritise support and investment across our 30+ recognised sports. Each sport has been assessed against a set of weighted criteria to determine whether it falls into Tier 1, 2 or 3 – reflecting current member interest, growth potential, and alignment with our strategic goals.

Every sport matters. This framework helps us use our resources in a way that benefits the most members, while still supporting a wide and diverse sporting offer across CSSC.

Tier 1: Angling (all disciplines), Bowls (all disciplines), Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Pool, Rugby (all disciplines), Athletics (including Running), Ten Pin Bowling, Tennis, Volleyball and Hillwalking (walking).

Tier 2: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Fencing, Netball, Sailing, Skittles, Snooker, Squash, Swimming, Target Shooting.

Transformation Roadshows

June and July saw us embark on a series of 12 in-person and virtual roadshows as we engaged with members across the country on our transformation programme. The mission was to update you on the changes we’re making to our local events & activities and sports offering and we were delighted to see many of our members turn up to the roadshows. If you were unable to attend and are keen to find out more, we have captured one of the virtual recordings for you below.

We have a feedback link at the bottom of the page if you’d like to ask us any questions about the transformation or simply let us know what you think.