High numbers of community sport groups across the UK are under threat of closure and need more help to survive, according to new research.

TSB has found that 54% of people affiliated to community sport organisations are concerned they will struggle to continue without external support to safeguard their future.

Sport plays a vital role in community cohesion and helping young people reach their full personal, social and sporting potential.

That function becomes even more important when allied with TSB's finding that 44% of community sport groups are in the bottom 30% of the most deprived areas in the UK – where young people are often most in need of such opportunities.

Most worrying of all is that a quarter of those surveyed said their local community sport group has already had to close.

In response to these findings, TSB have announced a new partnership with Sported, a leading charity for the Sport for Development sector. The banking firm is offering to keep local sports groups vibrant and accessible by lending their expertise in areas such as budgeting, marketing, PR and social media.

Pilots are set to be launched in North East Scotland, South Midlands, Thames Valley and South Coast and Greater Manchester.

Chris Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Sported, commented: "Sported’s members hold a special place in communities. The groups collectively shape and inspire the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people around the UK, and create a unique sense of unity and community spirit – all through the power of sport.

“TSB is passionate about celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things, so we’re thrilled to be launching this exciting new partnership.  t brings together Sported’s network and experience in Sport for Development with the expertise and enthusiasm of TSB staff to help these vital community assets survive and thrive.”