What is the Hartlepool Sporting Association?
The Hartlepool Sporting Association is an exciting and innovative project that aims to combine the three components of education, health and sport to produce benefits to the towns people. HSA will act as the umbrella organisation for a range of sports clubs exhibiting exceptional practice from across the town. This combined approach will help clubs develop in terms of quality of performance, coaching, facilities and equipment as well as increasing the quantity of players at all levels.

Using Hartlepool College’s expertise, opportunities will be created for member clubs to educate themselves in a number of disciplines, including first aid, coach development and fitness training. Members will be offered support and guidance as they grow and improve.

Why is this something Hartlepool College is so keen to promote?
HCFE are fully aware of the impact sport plays in the town of Hartlepool. Throughout the years Hartlepool has produced athletes who have graced the national and international stages as well as becoming some of the best community clubs in their chosen sports. HCFE and its governors believe that by combining sport with education all involved can benefit.

Can anyone join the HSA?
Membership to the HSA is currently held by the ten member clubs and one associate member, Hartlepool United. However, increased membership is available and promoted to those clubs that feel they can meet the membership criteria. If a club can successfully meet these criteria they can be considered by the committee for membership.

What are the benefits of being involved in the HSA?
The HCFE has numerous benefits including financial support, educational support and the sharing of good practice.

Tell us a little bit about the funds that are available?
Funding will be awarded in one of the 3 categories: gifted and talented, club developments and improving club-to-college/school links. The criteria of each funding grant has been tailored to make each grant easy and accessible to the clubs and their individual members whilst encouraging everyone involved to help develop sport in the town.

What courses will be available through the HSA?
We intend to offer an annual calendar of educational courses ranging from one day workshops to part time NVQs. We intend to offer something for everyone at all clubs, whether it is the coach of the first team attending a “fuelling your performers” course or a parent attending a basic sports injury course.