Be Active, in partnership with Luton Council and Luton's Sport and Physical Activity Network, have launched the Couch 2 Coach workforce grant today, Monday 4 March.

This grant invites aspiring coaches and volunteers to apply to support their professional development or start their coaching journey.

Couch 2 Coach Luton provides funding for people wanting to get qualified to coach or support sports or physical activity sessions in Luton. The aim of Couch 2 Coach Luton is to develop a broader and more diverse sports coaching workforce by training individuals from under-served groups in society, or those working to increase activity levels in under-represented communities in our region.The scheme is being administered by Be Active, the Active Partnership for Bedfordshire, with the support of Luton Council and Luton Sports and Physical Activity Network (LSPAN). The Luton Sports and Physical Activity Network is a well-established organisation that provides local sports clubs, community groups and supports the volunteer network with the opportunity to distribute grant funds to the local community. They also have a voice in the decisions that are made relating to sport and physical activity in the town.

Councillor Khtija Malik, executive portfolio holder for public health, said: "Couch 2 Coach is a fantastic new initiative that allows those with a passion for sport and exercise to get started in a new and exciting journey. By specifically targeting under-served and under-represented groups for this grant, we are closing the inequality gap in exercise in our town and ensuring that our 2040 vision of a healthy town is attainable."

Clare Fitzboydon, Director of Be Active, said: "We are pleased to be able to continue the Couch 2 Coach Fund for Luton residents thanks to the Luton Sport and Physical Activity Network. The fund will provide opportunities for people in Luton to be supported to take their first steps into coaching and support our goal of inspiring Bedfordshire to move more!"This is a great opportunity for aspiring coaches and volunteers to support sport and physical activity delivery locally, to continue or start their coaching journey in Luton.

To find out more about Couch 2 Coach Luton, or complete an expression of interest form, please visit the Be Active website.