Two Million Beat the Street Players and Counting!

Beat the Street has reached an incredible milestone: two million people have now played the game.

That’s two million people who’ve stepped outside, explored their local areas, connected with others, and experienced the simple joy of movement.

What started as a local idea back in 2011 with mobile phones in wooden boxes has grown into one of the UK’s most successful public health initiatives. Delivered in over 200 places, Beat the Street has turned towns into playgrounds, neighbourhoods into teams, and walking into something exciting.

But this milestone isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the people and places who have made every step count.

Built in local communities, powered by local people.

From Falkirk to South Lanarkshire, from Barnsley to Braintree, the heartbeat of Beat the Street has always been the communities who bring it to life.

“The benefits of the programme cannot be understated. People get to know their area better, the community comes together, and it’s excellent for physical and mental health." Provost Robert Bissett, Falkirk

“Communities become alive with excitement, energy and positivity. The project has lasting impacts on physical activity and supports real legacy work across South Lanarkshire." Bronah Byrne, South Lanarkshire Council

In Falkirk West, around 20% of the local population took part in walking, cycling, wheeling and using public transport more often. And crucially, many planned to keep up those habits long after the game ended.

“It’s not just about temporary activity. Beat the Street helps build a culture of active living, and promotes local resources so people can keep going.”Robbie Meldrum, Falkirk Health Improvement Service

Every mile is a story

From the very beginning, players have travelled a total of over 16.6 million miles, that is the equivalent of circling the Earth 667 times.

More than 6,000 schools have joined the journey, helping spark walking buses, bike trains and a stronger sense of connection to local places.

Beyond the numbers is something even more powerful: the wellbeing boost. Based on government wellbeing metrics, Beat the Street has generated an estimated £548 million in social value.

Movement, belonging, feeling safe and being valued

As neighbourhood health becomes a national priority, Beat the Street is showing what’s possible when we shift from treatment to prevention and design health around joy, belonging and trust.

It’s also helping the NHS and local authorities tackle deeper challenges like inactivity, social isolation and poor mental health, particularly in communities facing the greatest barriers.

“This is about more than just getting people moving. It’s about creating the conditions for people and places to thrive." Dr William Bird MBE, CEO &  founder of Intelligent Health.

A day of celebrating together

Across the country, partners, participants and teams are celebrating this moment with us.

“It’s great to join Hunningley Primary Academy School in Barnsley, which is participating in Beat the Street. I know a number of schools across my area and up and down the country are taking part.Beat the Street is a brilliant initiative which aims to help people across the country get moving. It is great news that the 2 millionth player joined the game in Barnsley!

I’ve heard from schools locally about the huge difference it’s made to get young people and families more active.This Government is committed to ensuring that people of all ages can feel the benefits of physical activity, including improving wellbeing and creating stronger community connections.

The Prime Minister has announced the new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework recently, which will ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality school sport and extracurricular activity." Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP

“Beat the Street is a fantastic example of a nationally recognised intervention that grounds itself in the community. Bringing to life the places, spaces and assets that can be found on people’s doorsteps, whilst getting them moving more, is such a brilliant approach. Sport England is proud to partner with and support this work, and to see this huge milestone reached is truly inspiring.” Jeanette Bain-Burnett, Executive Director, Policy and Integrity, Sport England

“Beat the Street supports our place-based working in Burnley by inspiring people to explore and discover new places from their doorstep and beyond. It fosters collaboration around a shared, positive vision for the community, highlighting local assets and helping people see them in a new light. As a strategic tool, it enables cross-sector collaboration, supports planning, and most importantly promotes civic pride.” Paul Foster, Chief Executive, Burnley Leisure & Culture