Hyper-Local Sport Initiative Transforms Lives of 84 Young People in Preston

Strategic Insights -

The Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET) delivered a hyper-local sport initiative that engaged 84 young people, with one supported into volunteering and five progressing into training. This program is part of a national campaign that has reached nearly 2,000 young people across 13 Places for People (PfP) communities. The initiative focused on delivering safe, accessible, and engaging sport sessions directly within the community, at the heart of the Tanterton estate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The initiative, delivered by PNECET, engaged 84 young people and had a positive impact on their lives.
  • The program supported one young person into volunteering and helped five progress into training, demonstrating the power of hyper-local sport in transforming lives.
  • The success of the initiative highlights the importance of community-led delivery, trusted local partnerships, and responsive programming that adapts to the needs of young people.
  • The initiative was part of a national campaign that has reached nearly 2,000 young people across 13 PfP communities.
  • Places Foundation and StreetGames partnered to invest in sport in PfP local communities to improve young people's access to exercise.
  • The initiative used a '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.
  • Sessions for 10-15-year-olds were held weekly at Tanterton Village Centre, a PfP-run facility, and included activities such as three-a-side football, dodgeball, and quieter options like pool.
  • Workshops linked to the Kick It Out and Respect campaigns helped nurture positive behavior and engagement, while older teens were also welcomed and supported through tailored interventions.
  • A tuck shop run by a local youth worker was a key feature of the initiative, adding to the sense of community and structure.
  • Jamie Dickinson, Group Head of Social Impact at Places Foundation, emphasized the importance of delivering sport in the right place, at the right time, and in the right way to engage young people.

Statistics:

  • 84 young people were engaged in the initiative.
  • One young person was supported into volunteering.
  • Five young people progressed into training.
  • The initiative was part of a national campaign that has reached nearly 2,000 young people across 13 PfP communities.
  • The initiative used a 'doorstep sport' model that focuses on delivering sport in the right place, at the right time, and in the right style.

Sources:

  • Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET)
  • Places Foundation
  • StreetGames
  • Jamie Dickinson, Group Head of Social Impact at Places Foundation
  • Stuart Felce, UK Director, Strategic Business Relationships at StreetGames
  • Alistair White from PNECET