“The Hull project is a brilliant example of how sport can be used to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities”
Eighty-one young people have participated in free sports clubs in Hull. The sessions helped build confidence, develop friendships, and renew a sense of belonging.
National charity StreetGames and Places for People, the UK’s leading social enterprise, teamed up to create accessible sport opportunities. Coaches with deep roots in the area led the sessions with a focus on football, basketball, and cricket.
Delivered by Hull Futsal Club at Thoresby Primary School in HU5, the initiative was part of a wider national campaign that has reached nearly 2,000 young people across England. The school’s wellbeing officer helped identify young people who would benefit the most.
Out of the 81 young people who have taken part, 25 of them were girls. Two have progressed into volunteer roles, developing leadership skills and giving back to their community.
Stuart Felce, UK Director, Strategic Business Relationships at StreetGames, said: “The Hull project clearly demonstrated the power of community sport to change lives. By focusing on inclusion and wellbeing, we’ve helped young people grow in confidence, build friendships, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
“The fact that 25 girls took part and two young people have already stepped into volunteer roles shows just how powerful this approach can be. It’s about more than just sport, it’s about creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive and communities can come together.”
Jamie Dickinson, Group Head of Social Impact at Places Foundation, said: “The Hull project is a brilliant example of how sport can be used to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities. By working with trusted local partners and listening to the needs of young people, we’ve created a space where they feel safe, supported, and inspired.
“At PfP [Places for People], we are committed to making a real difference to the lives of our customers who need it most, and partnerships like this are not only improving health and wellbeing but are also a great way to bring communities together.”
Participants reported increased confidence, improved physical activity levels, and stronger social connections. These outcomes reflect the success of the ‘doorstep sport’ model developed by StreetGames and PfP, which focuses on delivering sport in the right place, at the right time, and in the right style to engage young people who are traditionally hard to reach.
Places for People is a social enterprise of 13,000 people who create, manage, and support thriving communities across 245,000 homes, including 74,000 for social rent. StreetGames was founded in 2007 by Cllr Jane Ashworth OBE and is a charity passionate about harnessing the power of sport to change the lives of young people and their communities.
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