A Mansfield sports project is one of more than 40 to win a share of £8.2m National Lottery funding from Sport England.

The Mansfield Community Sports Project will receive £185,514 to increase the number of people engaged in sports and physical activity over the next three years.

The Mansfield District Leisure Trust, which manages the project, plans to use the money to appoint two full-time sports activators/health coaches, who will co-ordinate efforts between sports facilities across the town, including parks owned by Mansfield District Council, as well as open and community spaces.

The sports activators/health coaches will also organise informal beginners’ sessions in different sports, such as netball, football and tennis, as well as family and disability multi-sports.

The trust will be working with Nottinghamshire charity Reach Learning Disability to provide sports sessions and a sports club for adults with learning disabilities.

Tracy Radford, funding director at Reach UK, said: “Adults with learning disabilities in Mansfield are at especially high risk of poor health partly due to very low levels of activity.

“This project will create new opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to enjoy sport that is genuinely shaped around their needs, interests and talents.”

Any community organisation or workplace that would like the sports activators to help their members or staff become more active should email Carolyn Hallam at [email protected] or call 07718 194711.

Trust chairman Brian Taylor said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from Sport England.

“Being active is important for a healthy mind and body, as well as being lots of fun. Thanks to this funding more locals can reap the rewards.”

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment at the council, said: “This is another example of the great work undertaken by Mansfield District Leisure Trust to encourage active lifestyles. The council looks forward to working with our leisure provider to maximise the benefits of the Sport England funding for our community.”

To bid for funding, visit www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities