In March 2026, ConnectSport CIC launched its 'Sport for Change Cities' pilot programme showcasing how community-based groups and organisations within specific UK cities are using sport and physical activity to drive positive social, health, environmental and economic impact.
The pilot programme in the West Midlands city of Wolverhampton is being backed by the University of Wolverhampton and Wolves Foundation, and includes a free-to-join directory of local organisations who are doing amazing work in under-represented or disadvantaged communities, but often lack marketing and communications capacity or resources. ConnectSport CIC helps to train students from the University to tell stories and create content about these organisations.
Sport for Change Wolverhampton can be accessed at connectsport.co.uk/campaign/sport-change-wolverhampton
This also provides invaluable real-world work experience for the students as they look to build their CVs and career pathways.
Wolverhampton was chosen as the location for the pilot programme as it 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.
ConnectSport CIC founder Simon Lansley is a former national journalist and sports editor. He commented: “As with many cities, Wolverhampton faces a lot of challenges right now ranging from serious youth crime to unemployment, and from mental and physical health and wellbeing to social cohesion. However at the same time it is also blessed to have a huge and under-utilised network of people and organisations dedicated to serving their communities – across faiths, ethnicities, locations and communities.
“The purpose of Sport for Change Wolverhampton is to help ‘surface’ these amazing organisations, so they become more visible and speak for themselves, and drive awareness and investment in their services – thus supporting the city’s regeneration. We’re grateful to the University and Wolves Foundation for supporting the campaign, and look forward to showcasing many more impactful stories over the coming months and years.”
As well as the online hub, there will be an in-person exhibition of the students' work later this year, with the aim of at least 50 local community organisations being listed by the end of 2026. The project is also set to be rolled out in other cities as ConnectSport CIC works alongside other universities and their city partners.
VISIT SPORT FOR CHANGE WOLVERHAMPTON ONLINE HUB
VISIT SPORT FOR CHANGE CITIES HOME PAGE
For more information, or to recommend an organisation to be listed on Sport for Change Wolverhampton, please contact hello@connectsport.co.uk
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Pic credit: Global Diabetes Initiatives, Reel Grappling CIC, Brightstar.
