North West Street Games
Wigan’s Sport in your Community programme joined the StreetGames network in 2007. ‘StreetGames’ is a national charity, established in 2006 to promote sport for young people living in the most disadvantaged communities with tried and tested ways of engaging young people who are currently outside sport. Up and down the country, ‘Street Games’ delivers sport and dance to young people where they want it, at times when they want it and in a style they want.
Since 2007, Wigan has been successful in securing over £50,000 to deliver StreetGames projects across the Borough. See Sport in your Community for details of a session near you.
North West Street Games Festival
Each year more than 500 young people from across the North West, many of whom in the past played little or no sport at all, attend the ‘North West StreetGames Festival’ in August at The City of Manchester Stadium. The event is supported and attended by a host of sporting stars from across the region – past stars include Sean Long & Paul Sculthorpe (Rugby League); Diane Modahl (Athletics) and various GB Internationals from the world of Basketball, Handball and Football.
StreetGames has support from Central Government – in 2009, the then Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, said: “Street Games is a fantastic programme that offers young people from disadvantaged areas the chance to do more sport – such as football, athletics and basketball – and lead a more active lifestyle. The health benefits are obvious but Street Games does more than that. It also builds stronger communities and helps young people fulfil their potential through volunteering and coaching opportunities.”
Each year, Wigan has taken a team of over 50 young people. Wigan teams have previously achieved success in handball, rugby, cheerleading and athletics events and in 2009 there was a performance at the opening ceremony from Wigan’s dance group. In 2011, Wigan Sports Development teamed up with Wigan & Leigh Housing to run a series of summer activities for its tenants – many of who went on to represent Wigan at the StreetGames Festival. The team brought home the winners trophy in the mixed cricket competition.
To see how you can get involved visit your local sports session and speak to the coaching team or contact Wigan Sports Development on 01942 404982.
This year’s event took place on Friday 13th April at Sport City, Manchester. Wigan took gold in the secondary school Street Cheers event and finished runners up in the boys Football competition.
The boys football team who finished runners up in their event
The girls secondary school Street Cheer team who won their competition
