Norfolk Village Games FAQs

Who can take part?

There will be 3 tiers of competition.

Small Villages

• parishes/villages with an electoral roll population of 1,250 or under
• adjoining parishes/villages within the same district with a combined electoral roll population of 1,250 or under

Medium Villages

• parishes/villages with an electoral roll population of 1,251- 4,250
• adjoining parishes/villages within the same district with a combined electoral roll population of 1,251- 4,250

Market Towns/ Larger Villages

Final rules tbc, applicable to those with an electoral role population of 4,251 up to 9,999

The Games are open to all ages of participants.

What Sports/Games are in the Games?

A mixture of activities including 5 a-side football, golf, tennis, bowls, badminton, table tennis and the chance to try something new, such as archery. All activities will be lead by qualified staff from the National Governing Bodies of the sports and overseen by qualified referees and officials where applicable.

How many people do we need to have in a team for the Games?

Village teams can consist of as few as one person taking part in one sport, e.g. badminton singles, to a village entering a team in each sport with the aim of winning and becoming district village games champions.

When are the Games in my area?

• North Norfolk, Cromer Sports Centre 9th June
• South Norfolk, Framingham Earl Sports Centre 9th June
• Breckland, Watton Sports Centre 23rd June
• Great Yarmouth, Cliff Park High School, Gorleston 23rd June
• Broadland, Aylsham Sports Centre 23rd June
• West Norfolk, Lynnsport 30th June
• UEA - Norfolk Village Games Finals Day 14th July 2013

How can I register my interest/ get something happening in my village?

Register your interest by completing a short online form at www.activenorfolk.org/norfolkvillagegames or call Ellen at Active Norfolk on 01603 731566.

I am a member of a club and I would like to get involved in our district’s Village Games, is this possible?

Yes, we will be running several multi-sports roadshows and will warmly welcome local club involvement. Please register your interest online at www.activenorfolk.org/villagegames or call Ellen at Active Norfolk on 01603 731566.

Can I volunteer at the Village Games?

Yes, we will be recruiting lots of volunteers for all of the Games. Please register your interest online at www.activenorfolk.org/villagegames or call Ellen at Active Norfolk on 01603 731566.

What facilities do I need in my village for Roadshows to take place?

We are looking to take sports and games out to villages so we envisage running the roadshows on village greens, school fields, village halls, community centres or any other suitable community venue. If there is no suitable venue, roadshows can be run in a neighbouring village.

What will happen after the Games?

• We will work with local clubs to highlight sports/activities already available in the area.
• Where there is a demand for a new sport in an area we will work with the village/ participants to put on additional ‘Get Back Into’ sessions with the aim of establishing a new club.
• We will also be looking to run new leagues and inter village competitions in between the Games themselves.

How much time do I need to commit towards the Games to take part?

As much or as little as you like. This may just involve taking part or coming along on the day.

I am a member of the WI/ Church/ Scouts/etc is it possible for us to be involved without taking part in sport?

Yes, we want the games to be a real community event not just a sporting activity. We will be working with community groups to link in with existing events such as fetes etc, and encourage groups to put on additional fundraisers such as quizzes, evening events, selling refreshments or having a raffle.

For any other questions please contact Ellen Vanlint at Active Norfolk, ellen.vanlint@activenorfolk.org or call 01603 731566.

Thousands of villagers in rural Norfolk can look forward to new opportunities to play sport on their doorstep after an innovative project was awarded £577,701 of National Lottery funding by Sport England.

Norfolk Village Games secured the investment from the £10 million Rural Communities fund, which was launched after Sport England research revealed that two thirds of the local authorities with the lowest sports participation rates are in rural areas.

Norfolk Village Games, which was selected from over 500 applications through a competitive national process, will see:

Over 100 village teams, involving over 9,000 people, competing in village games over three years

A wide range of sports offered including softball, tennis, netball, football, badminton, tug of war and archery

More than 20,000 people taking part in high-quality taster sessions in villages with coaching and ongoing support to encourage sustained participation

1,000 new members of sports clubs

140 new coaches

Norfolk Village Games has been granted the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.