Empowering communities through inclusive wellbeing
A charity delivering community-led sport, education, and wellbeing programmes across North Somerset.
North Somerset Sports Foundation is a registered charity working directly within our community. We are passionate about creating opportunity through inclusive and accessible sport, wellbeing, and education.
Our community-led approach removes barriers, builds confidence and supports people of all ages and abilities thrive and move towards positive futures.
Our Why.
North Somerset Sports Foundation was established by its founder, Lucy Chappell. After nearly 20 years of experience in youth football, Lucy saw how inclusive, supportive environments could transform young people.
Lucy's particular interest in mental health and neurodivergence shaped her understanding of how sport could be adapted to support individuals with diverse needs. These opportunities didn't just create better footballers, but had the power to affect their overall well-being and life outcomes more broadly.
What began in youth football quickly highlighted a much wider issue. Many individuals were being excluded from sport and physical activity not through lack of interest, but because existing provision didn't meet their needs. Financial barriers, alongside physical, social, and practical obstacles, prevented participation for those who would benefit most.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: when people feel supported, included, and able to take part in ways that work for them, communities are stronger, and everyone has a better chance to thrive.
The North Somerset Sports Foundation grew from that realisation. Today, our programmes span sport, physical activity, and education to improve holistic wellbeing. We remove barriers to participation and create empowering, inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across North Somerset.
Our Impact.
At the heart of our work is The Gym Lab; a welcoming, community gym where people of all ages and abilities can take part in physical activity in ways that work for them.
THE GYM LAB - a not for profit gym in North Somerset.
The Gym Lab was created in response to the barriers we saw across traditional sport and fitness settings.
Cost, confidence, accessibility, and social expectations often prevent people from taking part, even when being active would support their wellbeing.
The Gym Lab does things differently.
Our one-level space offers supportive staff, flexible approaches, and an inclusive welcoming culture. Our members are encouraged to move at their own pace, set their own goals, and feel comfortable being exactly who they are.
More than a gym, The Gym Lab is a place of connection. It brings together young people, adults, families, and community groups, creating opportunities to build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and feel part of something positive.
This is where we see our impact every day. Increased activity, improved confidence and genuine connection.
The Gym Lab reflects what the The North Somerset Sports Foundation stands for: removing barriers, creating opportunity, and supporting people to thrive through inclusive, community-led wellbeing.
NSSF Post 16 Programme
Alongside our wellbeing and sport programmes, our Post-16 Football Education Programme combines an ambitious football pathway with recognised qualifications.
Delivered in partnership with SCL College, the programme offers young people aged 16–19 a different route through further education, within an environment designed to help them thrive.
We recognise that traditional education doesn’t work for everyone.
By combining accredited learning with football, physical activity and practical experience, we create an approach that feels relevant, motivating and achievable, while maintaining high expectations for every learner.
Now entering its second year, our programme has already celebrated significant success.
Our inaugural team were crowned 2025/26 AOC Tier 1 College League Champions, securing success against teams from more established programmes.
Students studying at North Somerset Sports Foundation develop as learners, players and young adults.
Qualifications are gained alongside confidence and self belief. Our student athletes are a community, not simply a class.
By offering meaningful alternatives, we help young people move forward with purpose, choice, and renewed belief in their own potential.
With opportunities to progress into higher education, apprenticeships, employment and the adult game through our connection with Clevedon Town FC, our learners are supported to discover where their future could take them.
Our Ambition.
We want to do more, for more people.
By growing our spaces, programmes, and partnerships, we’re building a future where inclusive wellbeing is accessible to everyone who needs it.
Together, we can create more inclusive wellbeing opportunities for the communities who need them most.
We couldn’t do this work without the people and organisations who support us. Whether you give time, resources, or funding, your support helps us remove barriers, grow our programmes, and reach more people across North Somerset.