A new network of community groups and grassroots organisations that use sport for positive social change have pledged to work closely together to help Wolverhampton become a happier, healthier city.
Twelve projects came together to attend the first public ‘Sport for Change Wolverhampton’ networking event at The Hub, Wolverhampton Railway Station. Organised by ConnectSport CIC, the event formed part of the Mental Health Awareness Week activities being staged at The Hub and highlighted the growing role of sport and physical activity in supporting healthier, safer and more connected communities.
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Sport for Change Wolverhampton is part of the wider Sport for Change Cities campaign, which aims to showcase organisations using sport-based interventions to address issues such as health inequalities, youth crime, unemployment, loneliness and social isolation. Wolverhampton was selected as the pilot city because of both the challenges it faces and the strength of its community-led organisations working across different faiths, ethnicities and neighbourhoods.
Speakers throughout the day included representatives from Children in Cue Sports, Ethnic Minority Council, Global Diabetes Initiatives, Keeping People Well, No Limits To Health, ParkPlay, Pro Alliance Sports CIC, Reel Grappling Jiu Jitsu, Run2Happiness, Wolverhampton Wrestling Club, Unique Movez Dance Collective and The Way Youth Zone. Discussions focused on how community sport can improve wellbeing, support recovery and tackle health inequalities, strengthen social cohesion and create opportunities for under-served communities.
Ben Mescam called for local families and volunteers to sign up for the free ParkPlay programme which is being launched in the city soon, while Sam Henry from No Limits to Health invited attendees to sign up for the mass bike ride Kidical Mass in East Park on June 13.
Bobby Singh revealed how his organisation Children in Cue Sports supports vital preventative work on a range of issues, from serious youth crime and radicalisation, to loneliness and mental wellbeing. “We achieve many of these outcomes through partnership working and collaborative working,” he told attendees. “This is one of the reasons today’s event has been put together; to highlight not only the great potential of partnership working, but also the necessity and need for greater impact.”
STORIES
Attendees also exchanged amazing personal stories. John Dixon from Run2Happiness explained how running aided his recovery from addiction and prompted him to oversee the Wellbeing Running Club in West Park each Thursday morning, while former Royal Marine Kelvin Davies, from Reel Grappling CIC, described how he uses jiu jitsu and martial arts to help people across the city instil self-discipline, resilience and healthier lifestyles.
Sam Neath, from Pro Alliance Sports CIC, told the amazing story of the National Championship Cup for care-experienced young people, which has been developed in Wolverhampton over the last decade. More than 400 young people across 25 local authorities will participate in this year’s event in Milton Keynes on May 29.
The Sport for Change Wolverhampton campaign also works with student journalists and content creators from the University of Wolverhampton to produce films, photography, interviews and news stories that increase visibility for local organisations. Watch Rony Omar's film on Sport for Change Wolverhampton.
A multimedia exhibition showcasing local sport for change projects will be hosted by the University throughout October. At least 50 organisations are expected to have joined the network by the end of 2026, with 25 signed up already.
Read more about the Sport for Change Wolverhampton network at connectsport.co.uk
To add or refer an organisation to the campaign, please contact hello@connectsport.co.uk
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