About US
At Opportunity Sports Foundation, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to experience the joy of sport, no matter their ability. Our Disability Sports Programme is designed to break barriers, build confidence, and create lasting friendships through a range of exciting activities.
From multi-sport sessions that encourage teamwork and skill-building to our semi-competitive football league, where players can enjoy the thrill of the game in a supportive environment, we provide tailored opportunities for all. But the real showstopper? Horse riding! In partnership with local charities, we offer equestrian experiences led by specially trained coaches and gentle, well-trained horses. Riding isn’t just about the thrill—it helps develop balance, coordination, and a deep sense of achievement.
Our sessions aren’t just about sport; they’re about inclusion, confidence, and fun. With the support of expert coaches and a community that celebrates every milestone, we create an environment where young people can thrive.
Join us as we make sport accessible, exciting, and empowering for all!
Our Mission
To advance in life and help especially, but not exclusively, disadvantaged young people through the provision of sporting, recreational and leisure time activities. These activities will be provided in the interest of social welfare to increase the capacities and capabilities of young people so that they can positively participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
Our Vision
The ultimate goal is the all-round development of the latent potential of young people. We see sport as an innovative and positive vehicle that can develop life skills to a fuller potential. We aim to deliver projects that have long term lasting impacts on young people in the northwest. With the goal of helping towards their employability, advance their education, improve their health and mental wellbeing.
Our Methods
We have a large team of experienced coaches and volunteers that are dedicated to delivering sessions for any young person who needs us in Lancashire. We focus on building a strong rapport with the young persons, to best enable us to understand their unique and individual needs. Accompanied by our partnerships with a vast number of agencies we are then able to deliver tailored projects. With the aim of improving their lives forever.
History
Opportunity Sports Foundation was established in 2011 by ex-professional footballer Norman Bell (right) and his son Andrew Bell (left) also an ex-professional footballer. Following their careers as professional athletes they gained significant experience of dealing with disadvantaged young people through careers as a youth workers and coaching looked after children, homeless individuals and young offenders. Due to government cuts in 2010 there was a void left for sporting activities that disadvantaged young people could engage in. Youth Inclusion Projects (YIPS) were closed and it became apparent that to sustain the fantastic work and visible benefits achieved through sport, OSF would need to obtain charity status. This would offer the opportunity to gain funding and source numerous grants for OSF’s sporting projects. Charity status for OSF was finally awarded in June 2011. Following the experience gained by the founders and contacts made during the time spent as Youth Workers, OSF has managed to target those most at need, living in extremely deprived wards of the North West.
If you would like more information or want to donate then please get in contact with us. We would love to speak to you.
