Our Projects
At The Swans Community Partnership, we believe in the power of sport, movement, and meaningful connection to create safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities. Our projects below reflect this mission — from coordinating vital youth referrals through the Towards Sport – MST Programme, to promoting confidence and resilience through our kickboxing collaboration with Top Marks Kickboxing Academy, to expanding access to health and wellbeing with the Milton Keynes Women’s Walking Group.
Each initiative is rooted in partnership, empowerment, and a commitment to positive change for people of all ages and backgrounds.
SwanAbility Programme: Creating Inclusive Football Pathways for Children with Additional Needs
The Swans Community Partnership, in collaboration with Newport Pagnell Town FC and supported by Milton Keynes Council, is proud to be delivering the SwanAbility Programme – a new PAN Disability football initiative designed to create accessible and inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities and additional needs across Newport Pagnell and the surrounding area.
The programme has been developed in response to the significant underrepresentation of children with disabilities within grassroots football. Many young people face barriers to participation, including confidence, accessibility, unfamiliar environments, and a lack of suitable local provision. SwanAbility aims to remove these barriers by creating a clear and supportive pathway into football.
A School-First Approach
The programme is being delivered through a phased model, beginning with targeted outreach sessions within local primary schools before progressing into community-based football opportunities.
Working closely with schools and SENCOs, The Swans Community Partnership currently delivers weekly sessions at:
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Giffard Park Primary School
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Green Park School
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Portfields Primary School
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Cedars Primary School
Sessions are delivered in small groups by qualified coaches experienced in PAN Disability and inclusive sport delivery. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of participants and focus on enjoyment, movement, confidence-building, social interaction, and fundamental football skills.
By delivering sessions within familiar school environments, children can engage at their own pace, build trust with coaches, and experience football in a safe and supportive setting.
Building Pathways Beyond the School Day
SwanAbility is about much more than delivering football sessions. The programme has been designed to create sustainable participation pathways that enable children to continue their football journey beyond school.
Through ongoing engagement with pupils, families, schools, and local partners, the programme is identifying participants who would benefit from continued opportunities through a dedicated PAN Disability FA Comets programme at Newport Pagnell Town FC.
This next phase will provide regular community-based football opportunities and help ensure that children with additional needs have access to the same sense of belonging, development, and enjoyment that football offers to so many others.
Early Impact
Although still in its early stages, SwanAbility is already creating positive engagement across participating schools. Children who may not have previously accessed football are actively participating, building confidence, developing social connections, and enjoying regular physical activity.
The programme is also strengthening partnerships between schools, families, Newport Pagnell Town FC, Milton Keynes Council, and The Swans Community Partnership, creating a more connected and inclusive local sporting landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the programme develops, impact will continue to be captured through attendance data, participant feedback, coach observations, and individual case studies that highlight the journeys and achievements of the children involved.
Together, Newport Pagnell Town FC, The Swans Community Partnership, and Milton Keynes Council are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the benefits of football and feel part of their local sporting community.
Transforming Estates Through Callisthenics
A youth-led crime prevention and community transformation programme for young people aged 11–15 living on priority MK estates.
A youth-led crime prevention and community transformation programme for young people aged 11–15 living on priority MK estates.
Transforming Estates Through Callisthenics is a new pilot initiative funded through MK Movers and delivered by The Swans Community Partnership. The programme provides free, estate-based callisthenics sessions for young people aged 11–15 living on selected Milton Keynes estates, beginning with a focused pilot across two to three priority communities.
The project has been developed in direct response to community insight gathered through consultation work supported by The Swans Community Partnership, LEAP and The Open University. This insight identified youth violence, criminal exploitation, lack of trusted activity spaces and limited access to positive structured opportunities as key concerns across several estates.
The programme uses callisthenics — accessible bodyweight strength training — as a vehicle to:
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Reduce youth involvement in violence and criminal exploitation
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Increase access to safe, inclusive physical activity within estates
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Build protective factors through trusted adult relationships and peer networks
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Develop youth leadership and ownership within communities
Weekly sessions will take place on selected estates including Eaglestone and Fullers Slade (pilot delivery initially focused on 2–3 estates). Sessions will run during evenings and school holidays to ensure accessibility during peak community hours.
Delivery will be relationship-led and trauma-informed. Sessions will combine:
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Structured callisthenics training
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Skill progression and visible achievement
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Youth mentoring and informal discussion
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Peer leadership development opportunities
A distinctive long-term ambition of the programme is to repurpose confiscated knives into fixed callisthenics gym equipment installed directly on estates. This symbolic transformation — turning tools of harm into tools for strength and growth — underpins the wider vision of reclaiming community spaces and creating visible, youth-owned assets that promote pride and belonging.
Young people will be supported to co-design and eventually co-deliver sessions alongside experienced tutors and credible adults, including rehabilitated ex-offenders and community mentors. This approach strengthens relatability, trust and authenticity, particularly for young people at risk of exploitation.
Engagement will prioritise:
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Young people aged 11–15 at risk of violence or criminal exploitation
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Those previously engaged through OU and LEAP consultation work
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Peer-to-peer recruitment and street-based outreach
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Non-judgemental taster sessions focused on enjoyment and belonging
As this is a pilot phase (12 weeks delivery following 4 weeks of engagement), robust baseline insight and evaluation will be gathered throughout. Monitoring will focus on attendance, retention, reported wellbeing, increased protective factors and qualitative changes in attitudes toward violence, safety and community pride.
Transforming Estates Through Callisthenics is designed to do more than deliver activity. It seeks to transform estates into safer spaces, empower young people as leaders, and create sustainable community assets that outlast the initial funding period.
Empowering Grassroots Coaches Through Learning and Mentorship
Our growing partnership with Newport Pagnell Town Football Club (NPTFC) marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations. Over the coming season, The Swans Community Partnership will lead on the mentoring, support, and development of all coaches across the club, helping to create a consistent, player-centred approach to learning and development at every age group.
The NPTFC U7 Coach Development & Mentoring Programme was the first step in this long-term collaboration — a pilot project designed to give new and volunteer coaches the tools, confidence, and guidance to deliver high-quality, engaging football experiences for young players.
Delivered by FA Coach Developers Anthony Lands, Adam Colley and Caroline Moran, the five-week programme combined off-pitch education with on-pitch mentoring. Coaches progressed from observing and assisting to co-delivering and independently leading sessions, supported every step of the way.
Guided by the FA’s core coaching principles, the project helped participants explore how to plan effective sessions, manage young players, and build positive, inclusive learning environments. What began as “a bit chaotic” in week one soon evolved into well-structured, energetic, and enjoyable sessions where every player had a ball at their feet and a smile on their face.
Key Outcomes:
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From Chaos to Confidence — Coaches went on a real journey. Early sessions felt hectic, but by the final week they were calm, structured, and full of purpose. As one coach shared, “How to structure a session, especially for a new coach, is really important — I feel so much more organised now.”
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Better Coaching, Better Football — Coaches learned how to plan, adapt, and engage players through fun, age-appropriate activities. The result? Sessions that were not only more effective but also far more enjoyable for players and coaches alike.
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Happier, More Engaged Players — Parents and mentors noticed a visible difference. “If I was a parent, I would definitely have noticed a change between five weeks ago and yesterday,” said one FA Coach Developer.
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A Culture of Mentoring — The programme created a foundation for lasting change. Coaches supported one another, reflected openly, and shared best practice — embedding a culture of collaboration that will continue to grow across the club.
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Community Impact — This project demonstrated how professional mentoring and community values can combine to strengthen grassroots football. Together, we’ve built stronger coaches, happier players, and a shared vision for the future of development at NPTFC.
A Healthier Newport Pagnell (AHNP)
Free community sport and wellbeing sessions for women & girls and residents aged 55+.
A Healthier Newport Pagnell (AHNP) is a new community programme funded by Sport England and delivered by The Swans Community Partnership, providing free, inclusive and locally based sport and physical activity sessions across Newport Pagnell.
The programme has been developed in direct response to local insight and consultation, which identified cost, confidence and accessibility as key barriers preventing many women and older residents from engaging in regular physical activity. AHNP removes these barriers by delivering structured sessions within trusted community venues, led by experienced and welcoming coaches who understand the needs of local residents.
Sessions have now launched and include activities such as Football, CricFit, Pickleball, Futsal, Indoor24 Cricket and other accessible fitness opportunities. All sessions are free to attend and designed to support people of all abilities — whether returning to activity after a long break or trying something new for the first time.
AHNP aims to create more than just activity sessions. It is designed to build confidence, reduce social isolation and create safe spaces where people feel a genuine sense of belonging within their community.
The programme is delivered with the support of local and national partners, helping ensure that opportunities remain accessible to those who need them most.
Impact and evaluation findings will be shared as the programme develops.
Please contact us for more information
Alternatively, book your place on any of our available sessions
Collecting Community Voices to Shape the Future of Physical Activity in Milton Keynes
The Swans Community Partnership (TSCP) has been commissioned by The Open University to play a major role in one of Milton Keynes’ most significant community insight projects. Working alongside Leap and the MK Places and Engagement Project Board, TSCP will engage two communities identified by Sport England as “inactive”, ensuring their voices lead future investment decisions.
The project will reach over 500 residents to understand their experiences, barriers, and aspirations around physical activity. This insight will support Leap’s bid for major Sport England funding to create new community spaces designed with - not just for - local people. The work aligns directly with TSCP’s mission to champion local voices, remove barriers, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Two core engagement strands:
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Informal Semi-Structured Interviews
Across forty half-day sessions, TSCP will hold relaxed, conversational interviews in trusted community settings - from shops and food banks to parks, social groups, and local events.
The aim is to collect 120+ high-quality interviews using ethically approved research processes. Structured written records will be securely shared with the Principal Investigator, Linda Plowright-Pepper. -
Creative, Inclusive Community Focus Groups
TSCP will deliver forty creative, accessible focus groups across four age groups: early years, children and young people, working-age adults, and older adults.
Sessions will use mind-mapping, visual prompts, group discussion and other creative methods. Data will be captured through notes, photos of materials (non-identifiable), and optional short audio contributions.
Why TSCP?
The Open University selected TSCP for their deep community roots, trusted networks, proven engagement experience, strong track record in physical activity programmes, and ethical, community-led approach.
Looking Ahead:
This project will ensure future physical activity spaces in Milton Keynes reflect real resident experiences. TSCP’s work will produce insight that not only strengthens Leap’s funding case, but amplifies community voices and supports the creation of meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable activity opportunities across the city.
New Partnership Brings Kickboxing & Self-Defence to the Community
We’re proud to announce a powerful new collaboration between Top Marks Kickboxing Academy (TMKA) and The Swans Community Partnership — a partnership built on shared values of inclusion, confidence, and community empowerment.
Under this exciting new initiative, TMKA will begin delivering community-based kickboxing and self-defence sessions as part of the Swans Community Partnership’s growing programme of inclusive physical activity and wellbeing. Sessions will be accessible for all ages and abilities, with a strong focus on removing barriers to participation — whether financial, social, or psychological.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared belief in the power of martial arts to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in both young people and adults. By working together, TMKA and The Swans aim to make these benefits available to even more people across our communities — especially those who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
Importantly, this partnership will also maintain TMKA’s well-established competitive kickboxing pathway, providing an ideal exit route for anyone who wishes to progress into more advanced training or competitive sport. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have ambitions to compete at a higher level, this programme offers a welcoming and inspiring journey.
More Than Just a Sport
Kickboxing isn’t just about punches and kicks — it’s about self-respect, focus, and finding strength in mind and body. TMKA’s experienced coaches are passionate about helping people develop real-life skills that go far beyond the mat.
We’re excited to see this partnership bring positive energy and lasting impact to our local communities — and we’re just getting started.
Towards Sport Programme
YEF Multi-Systemic Therapy Referrals Programme in Milton Keynes
The Swans Community Partnership is proud to be working in collaboration with StreetGames and Milton Keynes City Council to coordinate the Towards Sport – Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Referrals Programme locally in Milton Keynes.
This innovative programme aims to use sport and physical activity as a referral pathway to support young people who are at risk of involvement in crime or serious youth violence. Through early intervention and relationship-based engagement, the programme connects young people to trusted local Delivery Partner Organisations (DPOs) that can provide tailored, high-quality opportunities to promote positive behaviour change, improved wellbeing, and social connection.
As the Milton Keynes programme co-ordinator, The Swans Community Partnership will:
Respond to referrals in a timely and appropriate manner.
Match young people to the most suitable DPO based on individual needs and local context.
Liaise with early help practitioners, schools, and families to ensure all relevant information is gathered to support successful referrals.
Support DPOs through regular communication, project visits, and troubleshooting to ensure quality delivery and positive youth outcomes.
Monitor and evaluate progress alongside StreetGames’ Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) leads.
Convene local partners, sharing insights and facilitating reflective practice to ensure joined-up working across Milton Keynes.
This partnership brings together local expertise, national learning, and community connections to create a more integrated, effective approach to supporting vulnerable young people through sport and physical activity.
Together, we are working to provide safer pathways, stronger communities, and brighter futures.
