Our action & impact

Community pride & inclusion

Strengthening community bonds, inclusivity, and positive local identity

Our core values are underpinned by the belief that with the right support, all young people can excel and succeed in life and work. We promote inclusion, development, inspiration, community, and enjoyment and emphasise creating an inclusive environment for all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

Why we’re focusing in this area

We actively work to break down barriers for underrepresented groups in watersports, focusing on engaging with: people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, underrepresented ethnicities, faith groups, people living with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, older adults, and women and girls.

Lack of local community cohesion and shared pride

Many communities lack inclusive spaces where people can connect and feel part of something bigger. Without shared experiences, local identity and pride can fade.

Under-representation of young people from marginalised or overlooked groups

Young people from under-represented backgrounds, whether due to affluence, ethnicity, or gender, are less likely to be physically active, confident, or feel included. Sport England data shows these groups are consistently less active, and report lower levels of positive attitudes and wellbeing.

Barriers to inclusive participation in local opportunities

Traditional systems often leave behind those who don’t fit a standard path. Whether due to cost, confidence, or lack of access, many young people face practical and cultural barriers to joining local programmes.

Our action

ASF programmes like Sail Training Trust Portsmouth and community outreach events create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate local youth achievement, and foster a deeper sense of belonging and community pride.

Our action

ASF’s approach ensures these young people are engaged in accessible, empowering programmes that build confidence, skills, and community connections.

Our action

ASF breaks down these barriers by offering welcoming, hands-on programmes that adapt to local needs, supporting young people to feel seen, supported, and proud of where they come from.

Our impact so far

Our objective is to advance the education, development and improvement of young people, through sailing programmes to develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible citizens.

Creating equity in watersports
27%

27% of individuals who took part in one of our programmes during 2024 had one or more characteristics of inequality.

Opening the door to new sports
63%

63% of participants went on to try new sports or activities after participating in one of our courses, clubs or programmes.

Growing a sense of community
100%

100% of young people who participated in our community clubs said they felt part of a community.

Communities we actively support

We create equity in sailing and watersports by not only providing accessible clubs and courses to adults and young people of all abilities, but also by focusing support and programmes on the most underrepresented groups in the sport, including:

Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds
People living with disabilities
Neurodivergent adults and young people
The LGBTQ+ community
Faith groups
Women and girls
Older adults
Those with hidden barriers to access

Aligning with British society

Our participation surveys have shown us that participants across our centres are 7% more diverse than industry average*, and 61% more diverse when focusing on targeted outreach programmes.

*Source: British Marine 2022 participation survey looking at “any boating” activity.

Bridging the gender gap

We constantly strive to ensure gender parity across all of our programmes and activities to ensure the future of sailing demonstrates equality in grassroots sailing, competitor level sailing and role models, for years to come.

What we’re working towards

Target 1: Improving the sense of local community

Our aim is that local residents feel the Foundation’s presence has improved the sense of community.

Target 2: Increase access for underrepresented communities

Our aim is to provide underrepresented people in our local communities access to outdoor activities.

‘Thrilling Adventure’ for Reading School pupils harnesses adaptability

Opening up new possibilities through sailing. At our Andrew Simpson Centre in Reading, children from English Martyrs Catholic Primary School are taking to the water through our Aiming High Community Sailing Programme.

Partnership opportunities

Our work is made stronger through collaboration with local authorities, cultural and faith-based groups, disability inclusion advocates, LGBTQ+ youth services, and schools, social care & PRUs

Our work in community pride & inclusion

We deliver inclusive projects and events across our centres in Portland, Portsmouth, Reading, and Birmingham, including:

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