Sport changing lives for disadvantaged young people

Young people in disadvantaged areas throughout England are to benefit from a multi-million pound National Lottery investment from Sport England. 

The national sports charity, StreetGames, has been awarded £3.38 million to develop 307 Doorstep Sports Clubs that will take sport to the doorstep of disadvantaged young people and help them develop a regular sporting habit.

“Doorstep Sport Clubs change the sporting and social landscape in disadvantaged areas,” said Jane Ashworth OBE, CEO of StreetGames. “This is not just about sport; it’s also about improving young peoples’ lives as they grow and develop as members of healthier, safer, stronger communities. Over the last seven years we and our local network of partners have already brought sport close to the home in more than 200 disadvantaged UK communities at the right time, for the right price and in the right style. Now our ambition is to have a positive impact on even more young peoples’ lives and we’re delighted Sport England have backed the expansion of our work

The clubs are fun, exciting and vibrant places where 14-to 25-year-olds can play sports, at a low cost, right on their doorstep. Young people feel a strong sense of belonging to their club and enjoy taking part in social activities alongside the sports programme. These may include traditional or adapted versions of games, such as Cardio Tennis, Instant ping pong, Rush Hockey and Street Dance.

“Whilst the number of young people playing sport is increasing, young people growing up in disadvantaged areas remain less likely to be in a club, be coached, compete or volunteer than those from better off areas,” said Phil Smith, Sport England Director of Sport. “We are committed to addressing that imbalance through our support of StreetGames and Doorstep Sport Clubs.”

The programme is targeted at the 1.6 million young  people who live in disadvantaged areas of England. 

“StreetGames is using the power of sport to help improve communities across the country and change lives for the better,” said Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport. “This latest investment will establish hundreds of local sports clubs aimed at young people in disadvantaged areas, encouraging greater participation in sport and helping social cohesion.”