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Widening Participation in Sports with National Governing Bodies

25 September 2025

Throughout the Bring it on Brum! programme, Programme Coordinator, StreetGames, utilised their connection with a range of National Governing Bodies (NGB) to give holiday club providers access to sport provision.

These were made available as part of a broader initiative to increase youth participation in sport and physical activity. This initiative included a diverse mix of coaching, training, resources, equipment and access to national-level sporting events. The programme was delivered in partnership with several major NGBs and supported by community stakeholders, including local organisations and education providers.

 

NGB Sport Offers

A total of nine NGB sports were included in the summer programme:

  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Rugby
  • Handball
  • Golf
  • Fencing
  • British Triathlon
  • Squash
  • Basketball

 

Each sport provided a tailored offer comprising professional coaching sessions, training resources, and access to sport-specific equipment, designed to introduce children and young people to new sports or deepen their engagement in existing ones. These offers targeted skill development, physical fitness and team-building, promoting long-term engagement with physical activity.

 

Access to International Events

To further inspire participation and broaden horizons, tickets to high-profile international sporting events were distributed to Local Trusted Organisations (LTOs). Events included:

  • International Tennis at Edgbaston
  • The Hundred cricket competition
  • British Open Squash Championship
  • The Masters Golf at The Belfry

This opportunity enabled young people to witness elite sport firsthand, encouraging aspirations and showcasing pathways into sport beyond local participation.

 

NGB Festivals and Events

In addition to regular sessions, five major NGB-led sports festivals were delivered during the summer, engaging nearly 300 young people. These inclusive events brought together children and young people for days of multi-sport activity and fun, delivered in collaboration with:

  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Rugby
  • Athletics

 

University College Birmingham students played a key role in supporting some of these events, helping facilitate activities and running a fruit sundae station, which encouraged healthy eating in a fun, hands-on way.

To ensure the wellbeing of participants, lunches were provided through the HAF programme for every participant.

 

Impact and Outcomes

  • 300+ young people actively participated in NGB sports festivals
  • Exposure to 9 different sports, promoting variety and inclusive access
  • Enhanced youth engagement, confidence, and skill-building
  • Strengthened partnerships between NGBs, universities, and local organisations
  • Promoted healthy lifestyle habits through nutrition-focused activities
  • Created aspirational experiences through attendance at international events

 

The Summer 2025, NGB sport offers successfully demonstrated the power of collaborative sport programming in engaging children and young people across a variety of activities. By combining access to elite sport, grassroots festivals and holistic health support, the programme delivered a rounded and impactful experience that aligned with broader goals of inclusion, wellbeing and long-term engagement in physical activity.