Satellite Clubs programme comes to an end after engaging over 10,000 young people in GM

By GreaterSport | 14 October 2021 | TAGS: Children and young people

The Satellite Clubs programme was a National Lottery funded project that gave more young people the chance to discover a sport that they love. Here in Greater Manchester it was co-ordinated by GreaterSport and supported nearly 400 clubs and attracted over 10,000 young people.  

The Satellite Clubs intervention launched in the 2013/14 academic year and was a key part of Sport England’s Youth and Community Sport Strategy 2012-17. It aimed to undertake transformational change in the way that young people are supported from school, college and other relevant settings into community sport. 

The Satellite Clubs were traditionally extensions of established sports clubs into a new venue, usually a secondary school or college and specifically target the 14-25 age group. In Greater Manchester the programme developed over the years to become a source of funding to set up regular activity for young people in alternative settings.  

In Greater Manchester, thanks to the programme, 391 clubs were set up which engaged over 10,000 young people. Here are some stories from just a few of the Satellite Clubs over the years; 

• St Gabriel’s Streetshakers - Sport England Satellite Club Awards winners 
• Bolton Rugby Union 
• Lancashire lions 
• Trafford Handball Club 
• Salford Metropolitan Athletics Club 
• The Proud Trust 

Although over recent years GreaterSport have moved away from transactional grant funding there is still support for organisations working with young people. Through the GM Moving ways of working there is more of an emphasis of working with partners to create positive experiences through activity and sport for young people in Greater Manchester. GreaterSport's CYP team will work with you to understand your audience and your ambition and work together to understand how to achieve this. Click here for more details.  

The full evaluation report of the Satellite Clubs programme can be found on the Sport England website here.