SUDU is set to transform youth sports with Project Fair Play, targeting the inclusion of 550,000 young people in Greater Manchester.
- Project Fair Play, a collaboration between sportswear brand SUDU and Sported, aims to make running accessible and inclusive.
- With over 3,000 clubs, only a select few focus on running, highlighting significant opportunities for growth.
- Significant funding will be allocated to grassroots clubs to directly address societal issues through running.
- SUDU’s initiative will be complemented by research aimed at closing accessibility gaps in sports participation.
SUDU, a Manchester-based sportswear brand, has unveiled a strategic initiative titled Project Fair Play in collaboration with the charity Sported, aiming to foster community sports. This initiative is set to benefit over 550,000 young people by leveraging running as a tool for breaking down barriers and enhancing opportunities in Greater Manchester.
The focus of Project Fair Play is to address the imbalance within community sports, where only a small fraction of Sported’s 3,000 supported clubs prioritize running. To combat this, SUDU plans to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, thereby transforming the landscape for young athletes.
As part of its commitment, SUDU will provide financial support through a Deep Impact Grant to a local grassroots club in Manchester. This initiative includes exploring and onboarding new running-focused groups as members of Sported, subsequently enriching their resources and support systems.
Vinny Clark, CEO of Levy Merchandising, expressed the project’s broader vision: “Our goal is not only to help build communities but also to champion mental health and well-being. We hope to empower young people’s ambitions by supplying essential tools, equipment, and insights.”
The initiative’s first phase involves allocating £1,000 grants to Northwest running groups addressing three out of five key societal issues identified by Sported. These issues include making running accessible to all, promoting community cohesion, endorsing health and well-being, addressing sports participation inequality, and reducing crime and anti-social behavior.
The anticipated impact of the project’s inaugural year is profound, with expectations to engage at least 1,000 young people in running activities. The funds will cover a wide array of expenses, from venue hire and coaching to equipment and communication efforts.
Mark Woods, Sported’s head of marketing, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the initiative, noting that both organizations share core values of inclusivity and equal opportunity. “Through this program, we can make a real difference and we’re excited about what we can achieve working together,” Woods stated.
Complementary to the grant program, SUDU and Sported will commission research to uncover the disparities in social impact between running and other sports. This research will contribute to a detailed strategy aimed at increasing accessibility for running groups in Northwest England.
Project Fair Play signifies a clear commitment to enhancing community and youth sports, with a focus on inclusivity and opportunity.
