StreetGames - Accessible Sport for All

Making sport accessible for all 

Access to sport and physical activity is not equal. This inequality of opportunity is clearly reflected in stubbornly lower levels of participation by children and young people living in low-income, underserved communities. There is no lack of demand for sport and physical activity among children and young people in these communities – the right sporting offer is too often absent.  

This month a new partnership has been formed between StreetGames and Active Calderdale to start to address some of these inequalities across Calderdale. 

StreetGames work with community organisations across the UK to transform young people’s lives through sport. They do so by supporting local trusted organisations through knowledge and insight, help with sustainability and investment, practical tools and resources, networking opportunities and more – empowering them to do what they do best: creating positive change in the lives of young people through sport and physical activity. 

Under the guidance of Area Director and Partnership Funding Lead for Yorkshire and Humber Ian Hepplewhite, StreetGames will look to deliver their doorstep sport methodology for engaging young people in underserved communities in sport and physical activity. They're also keen to make the case for doorstep sport with other stakeholders – community safety, mental health, community development, social housing – so they can build their understanding of the impact doorstep sport can have on wider social issues.

Active Calderdale will support StreetGames to develop its network here in Calderdale, helping to connect them with local assets. Using the Community Led Approach, the aim is to reach out to the organisations and services supporting children and young people where it's felt the greatest impact can be made. Partnership Manager Laura Dooher welcomed the closer relationship with StreetGames and is keen to see them develop their sport and physical activity offer in hyper-local communities. 

If you are an organisation supporting young people in Calderdale and you wish to find out more about how StreetGames can support you contact activecalderdale@calderdale.gov.uk.  

Any organisation, sports clubs and otherwise, helping young people to be healthier, safer and more successful through sport can join the Streetgames network here https://www.streetgames.org/our-network/join-the-network/