Sport for Change Wolverhampton

ConnectSport is dedicated to showcasing and sharing the people, projects and places across Wolverhampton and the Black Country that are using sport and physical activity-based interventions to drive positive social, health, environmental and economic change.

Along with tackling physical inactivity and health inequalities, our stories champion how sport is helping to improve wellbeing, increase employability and skills, close the gap on education and development, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and build stronger communities and social cohesion - in particular in under-served groups and under-resourced communities. Our pilot is taking place throughout 2026 in Wolverhampton which consistently ranks among the most deprived local authorities in England (around 24th out of 317) due to issues like poor health, employment, income, education, crime and housing access, with significant percentages of its neighbourhoods falling into the most deprived 10% nationally. Community-led sport for change has a vital role to play in urban regeneration and economic prosperity.

Watch our films

Magical Minds Coaching

An award-winning social enterprise that builds confidence, resilience and communication skills in children and young people (ages seven to 15) through fun, practical, 3-in-1 sessions combining fitness (non-contact boxing), mental development (growth mindset, goal setting), and social skills (public speaking).

Visit our page on the ConnectSport directory

Ethnic Minority Council's 'Free Movement & Chai Session'

The Ethnic Minority Council (EMC) co-ordinates the Free Movement & Chai Session in Wolverhampton, which combines dance, movement and social connection through activities including Bhangra, Bollywood, Gidda, Jamaican Dancehall, Hip Hop and House, with both seated and standing options available for all abilities. The organisation has also supported inclusive physical activity initiatives such as Chair Beats, developed with Parkinson's UK to help people with reduced mobility stay active and connected. By engaging underrepresented communities and creating culturally relevant opportunities to be active, EMC plays an important role in helping the Sport for Change Wolverhampton network build healthier, more connected and more resilient communities across the city.

Film by Ryan Ellis, Rammael Curtis and Rhys Hunt.

'A walk in the park': Wellness Running Club

Wellness Running Club is an inclusive weekly running and walking club for service users and people in recovery in West Park, Wolverhampton. It was founded by Run2Happiness in partnership with SUIT (Service User Involvement Team) and Recovery Near You, and is part of the Sport for Change Wolverhampton network. Wolverhampton is hosting the pilot programme for the Sport for Change Cities initiative, which works with students and young content creators across the UK to showcase and share how local people, projects and places are using sport and physical activity-based interventions to drive positive social, health, environmental and economic change.

This film was produced by Anthony Williams, BA Hons film production student at the University of Wolverhampton.

Visit our page on the ConnectSport directory

Inpower Academy CIC

At InPower Academy, we use mixed martial arts (MMA) as our primary tool to engage and inspire young people. MMA is a sport that resonates deeply with youth, offering incredible benefits such as improved confidence, enhanced focus and concentration, stress relief and the ability to maintain a positive mindset.

Visit our page on the ConnectSport directory

Wolverhampton Wrestling Club

Founded in 1972, our goal is to provide a supportive and challenging environment for wrestlers of all skill levels to develop their skills, strength and character. At our club, we believe that wrestling is not just a sport, but a discipline that can help individuals to become the best version of themselves. We take inspiration from those that were here before us and who paved the way.