StreetGames: Nearly Two Decades of Changing Young People's Lives Through Sport.

Since launching in 2007, StreetGames has been a beacon of hope, opportunity and empowerment in communities that need it most.

Committed to changing young people’s lives through sport, StreetGames has worked alongside Why Sports, and used the platform to share insight and learning, case studies and best practice from locally trusted community partners — helping to ensure that sport and physical activity reaches children and young people from low-income households and deprived areas, who often face the greatest barriers to participation.

The journey began under the leadership of Jane Ashworth OBE, who originally worked at Sport England on secondment to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the early 2000s. Jane and the other founders championed the concept of ‘sport on the doorstep’, building an open network that has since grown to over 1,600 Community Partners, all of whom deliver sport and physical activity opportunities within disadvantaged communities across the country.

This network has become a lifeline for thousands of young people, giving them access to safe, positive experiences led by trusted adults, pathways to personal growth, and the chance to develop aspirations beyond their immediate environment.

In December 2020, Jane ‘retired’ to become Leader of Stoke City Council and Mark Lawrie took the helm, guiding StreetGames with calm, steady leadership but no less passion for the needs of the young people the charity supports. Under his stewardship, the organisation deepened its commitment to supporting communities where young people face the toughest challenges.

Today, Mark, who has been awarded an OBE for his services to charity and young people, continues to champion the transformative power of sport and physical activity — helping young people not just to move, but to thrive.

The Power of StreetGames.

StreetGames is a UK charity on a mission to bring sport to young people’s doorsteps.  

Sport has the power to make young people safer, happier and healthier, but those from low-income households and under‑served communities often miss out. With 4.3 million children and young people growing up in poverty, the scale of the challenge is clear.

This is where StreetGames plays a vital role. Drawing on a deep understanding of the lives and needs of young people living in poverty, and with more than 20 years of experience in what works to open up access to life‑changing sport and physical activity, StreetGames helps around 400,000 children and young people each year to transform their lives through the power of sport.

StreetGames champions the voices of young people at a national level to ensure their needs are reflected in the planning, policies and investment decisions of key decision makers. At the same time, the organisation provides insight, funding, training and support to its network of community partners: more than 1,600 organisations ranging from sports clubs and community groups to housing associations, leisure trusts and local authorities, all delivering sport to the young people who need it most.

Together with its partners, StreetGames is creating equal opportunities through sport.

Looking Ahead: Lessons and Challenges.

At Why Sports 2026, Mark Lawrie will present a keynote titled:

“Changing the Lives of Young People From Low-Affluence Backgrounds Through Sport – What Have We Learned and What is the Challenge Ahead of Us?”

His presentation will reflect on:

• Two decades of learning: Key insights from StreetGames’ work with Community Partners to increase activity and wellbeing for young people in low-income, under-served communities.

• Cross-policy collaboration: How seeing the needs of young people from multiple perspectives — education, health, employment, social care — enables us to do more and go further.

• Future challenges: The barriers the sector will face over the next five to ten years, from resource constraints to health inequalities, and strategies to overcome them.

It promises to be a session that is both inspiring and practical, equipping delegates with ideas, lessons, and evidence to inform their own work.

A Decade of Partnership and Progress.

Over the past ten years, the partnership between StreetGames and Why Sports has been a powerful one. Together, we have celebrated successes, shared insights, and driven conversations about equity, inclusion, and the importance of making sport and physical activity accessible to all.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark, Jane, and the entire StreetGames team for their steadfast commitment, their unwavering focus on young people, and their generous support for Why Sports over the past decade. Their dedication has changed lives, strengthened communities, and inspired countless others to harness the power of sport for social good.

Sport for Social Change.

The story of StreetGames is a story of positivity, resilience, and impact. It is proof that when sport is delivered thoughtfully and inclusively, it becomes a catalyst for health, wellbeing, and opportunity — especially in communities where the odds are stacked against young people.

As we look to the next ten years, StreetGames reminds us that every young person deserves the chance to play, move, and thrive. And with continued collaboration, learning, and investment, the vision of equitable access to sport for all can continue to become a reality.