creating a sustainable club structure and tackling inequalities

Published: 1st October 2026

what is Akeru Aikido?

Akeru Aikido is a community martial arts club committed to making Aikido accessible to everyone.

Working in partnership with the Active Tameside Sport & Physical Activity Network, the club has undergone significant organisational development, strengthening its foundations while creating new opportunities for people who traditionally face barriers to participation.

the support provided to Akeru Aikido

Using a place-based approach, Active Tameside worked closely with the club to build a sustainable, well-governed organisation capable of growing its community offer.

Key areas of support included:

Delivering a community engagement plan to gauge interest from Tameside SEND families.
Establishing a formal governance structure with club officials in place.
Developing safeguarding policies and training a dedicated Club Welfare Officer.
Creating the club’s legal structure to support future growth and funding opportunities.
Producing a comprehensive Club Development Plan.
Restructuring and developing the club’s volunteer workforce to improve capacity and resilience.
Supporting volunteers to complete First Aid training.
Helping secure a new permanent venue at Kamiza Dojo, providing a stable base for delivery.
Supporting the development of a dedicated SEND Aikido session at Active Oxford Park, creating inclusive opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
Securing a successful £1,000 Tameside communities fund, enabling the purchase of new matting and specialist equipment.
Providing marketing and promotional support, including targeted engagement with SEND schools across Tameside to increase awareness and participation.

what impact has the support made?

The support has transformed Akeru Aikido from a developing club into a stronger, more
sustainable organisation with the confidence and capacity to grow.

The club now has:

A clear governance and legal structure: Providing strong leadership, accountability and long-term sustainability.
Safer environments for participants: Robust safeguarding procedures, trained welfare provision and qualified first aiders ensure members can participate safely and confidently.
Increased volunteer capacity: A strengthened volunteer workforce is helping the club deliver more sessions and plan for future growth.
Improved facilities: A permanent home at Kamiza Dojo, combined with new grant-funded equipment, has significantly enhanced the participant experience.
Greater inclusion: The introduction of a dedicated SEND session has created new opportunities for children and young people with additional needs to access martial arts in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Stronger community engagement: Targeted promotion through local SEND schools has helped raise awareness of the club and reach families who may previously have been unaware of the opportunities available.

“By strengthening the club’s foundations and removing barriers to participation, Akeru Aikido is now better equipped to provide safe, inclusive and sustainable opportunities for local people to enjoy martial arts particularly those with additional needs who have traditionally had fewer opportunities to take part.”

key outcomes for the club

Formal governance structure established
Club legal structure created
Safeguarding policy implemented and Welfare Officer trained
Volunteer workforce restructured and strengthened
First Aid training delivered
New permanent venue secured at Kamiza Dojo
Inclusive SEND programme launched at Active Oxford Park
£1,000 grant secured for new equipment and matting through Tameside
Communities Fund
Increased promotion and engagement with SEND schools across Tameside

Active Tameside Sport & Physical Activity Network continues to support clubs like Akeru Aikido to become stronger, more inclusive organisations that improve health, wellbeing and community participation across Tameside.

“As club founder and coach of Akeru Aikido Club I cannot thank Tameside Sport & Physical Activity Network enough for their support. The club provides a much-needed community activity for SEND families and their children. Without support from the network the club would not have found a suitable training base, been able to access crucial first aid and safeguarding training and grants for much needed equipment.” – Alex, Akeru Aikido

For further information on how your club or group can receive support, please emailTsportsnetwork@activetameside.com or visit www.tamesidesportsnetwork.co.uk