Over 30 years of making a difference

Established in January 1992, the Community Sports Foundation has spent over 30 years using the power of sport to support communities across Norfolk. This timeline highlights key milestones, programmes and facilities that have shaped our journey and impact to date.

2026 – Construction begins on 3 Padel Courts at The Nest, in the fourth phase of develoment at The Nest

2025 – The Foundation celebrates 10 years of its iconic 10k, Run Norwich

2025 – The Store and the Box open at The Nest offering new retail and health and wellbeing spaces for our community

2025 – Norwich City are awarded EFL Community Club of the season, reflecting the huge reach and impact of our work

2025 – Our first ever Youth Voice Council is appointed representing the younger generation in Norfolk

2024 – Read our 2024 Impact report

2024 – Our Cerebral Palsy team wins the FA Disability Cup in a thrilling final at St George’s Park

2024 – Our Play and Eat programme begins at the Nest funded by a generous donation from Persimmon Homes Anglia

2024 – Lauren Hemp returns to her roots to open the new 3G pitch named after her at The Nest

2024 – the Foundation are proud to be awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award

2024 – Our First Armed Forces Day event is held at The Nest

2023 – read our 2023 Annual review
2023 – the Foundation is chosen as the operator of the new Brundall Sports Hub
2022 Annual Review can be viewed on Issuu here
2021 – #BuiltTheNest: We opened the second phase of The Nest, our community facility, with an IT Suite, multi-use indoor spaces, a café, and accessible changing facilities.
2021 Annual Review can be viewed on Issuu here
2020 Annual Review can be viewed here on Issuu
2020 – Supporting our community through Covid-19: a year like no other. The Covid-19 pandemic changed everything, but the Foundation adapted to support our community through remote engagement or deliveries as part of the Canaries Covid-19 Community Project.

2019 – #BuildTheNest: Norwich City FC pledged to match up to half a million pounds raised to help complete the Build The Nest campaign as a push for the final £1million needed was launched in October.
2019 Annual Review can be downloaded here.
2018 – The Nest phase one opens: CSF Trustee Jake Humphrey was on hand to launch the #BuildTheNest campaign, to raise £9.4m for the second phase of development at The Nest.
Read our 2018 Annual Review
2017 – Introducing The Nest: the Foundation announces the acquisition of the former Anglian Windows Sports and Social Club site in Horsford and reveals plans to redevelop the site as a new community hub
2015 – Run Norwich: the Foundation organises Run Norwich, the City’s first 10km road race, which sees over 3,000 runners take to the city centre streets and pass some of Norwich’s most iconic landmarks
2013 – Launch of Future Canaries: we engage young Norwich City fans with school taster days, roadshows and tournaments to increase football participation
2012 – Celebrating 20 years: the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary and outlines 12 key goals for the coming year with an event hosted by ambassador Jake Humphrey
2011 – Changing the Foundation: the charity implements its new name, vision and three-year “Goals” Strategy by consulting with partners, customers, young people and our new trustees
2009 – Building the Foundation: through support from the Department for Education and Football League Trust Accreditation the foundation increases its capacity to sustain, diversify and grow, developing new county wide positive activities for young people. Challenging the rise in childhood obesity – Norfolk NHS supported the development of the charities Health programme delivering obesity prevention and treatment programmes including MEND, Nutrifit and the Active Canaries programme along with support from the Football Foundation.
2008 – Supporting disadvantaged groups: working in partnership with key organisation across Norfolk we design innovative programmes including Streetlife Soccer and Kicks to address issues relating to community cohesion, crime and anti social behaviour
2006 – Developing new facilities: the Foundation works with Norwich City FC and Barclays Spaces for Sport to secure funding to build a fantastic community sports facility, Carrow Park attracting over 2,000 users per year
2005 – Supporting Schools: identifying a huge area of need and opportunity, the Foundation works in partnership with local schools to deliver their PPA (Planning Preparation and Assessment time) offering qualified coaches to deliver PE lessons
2003 – Increasing sports participation: the Foundation develops Multi-Sport Camps in conjunction with Norfolk Early Years and Child Care Development Programme offering a wide range of sports provision.
2001 – Developing the Foundation: celebrating 10 years and becoming a registered charity. The full time team of 10 takes the charity forward developing many new initiatives by securing grant funding
1998 – Increasing activities: the coaching team grows and develops further opportunities for girls and children with disabilities.
1996 – Developing valuable coaches: as the scheme grows from two full time members of staff, more full and part time staff are appointed to develop greater football opportunities including boys player development centres across the county
1992 – The Foundation: established in January 1992 through a pioneering partnership with Norfolk County Football Association and Norwich City Football Club the charity formerly known as Norwich City / Norfolk County FA Football in the Community manages and delivers football activities predominantly through schools coaching sessions and soccer schools