Housing and sports sectors launch national network

The network will operate as an online community, where members can access and contribute to a database detailing sporting and social housing projects across England.

Jas Bains, chief executive of Ashram Housing Association in Birmingham, which has created the network, said: "Social housing providers have a remit that extends far beyond the provision of bricks and mortar, to improving the social and economic welfare of communities in an England facing challenges such as unemployment, obesity and antisocial behaviour."

Ashram recently led the Bend it like Birmingham sport inclusion project, along with Birmingham City Council and five other housing associations. The project saw more than 1,000 young people from some of the most disadvantaged wards in Birmingham being given an opportunity to get involved in a selection of sports.

The National Housing Federation is supporting the network, which Ashram hopes will foster community cohesion, and enable sporting groups and housing associations across the country to work in partnership to increase participation in sport ahead of the 2012 Olympics.