A Greater Manchester sports project set up to get more young people aged 14-21 to participate in sport and social activities has been awarded £200,000 by Sport England.
The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) has been pulling in golds where charity work is concerned since its inception in 2010. And now, thanks to Sport England and their life-changing grant of £250k, DMSF can diversify and expand the organisation with its new programme entitled ‘Happy Days’.
Celebrating a new partnership with Manchester Giants and Manchester City Council, this injection of money means that DMSF will now be able to offer its programme not only in schools, but to other community groups and venues in North, East and Central Greater Manchester – an ambition DMSF Founder and CEO Diane and the team have strategically planned to fulfil for a long time.
Happy Days will create new opportunities for approximately 2630 young people between the ages of 14-21 to participate in sport and social activities. It’s a community led partnership that will be delivered in a range of settings including schools, community and sports halls and established sporting facilities.
Diane Modahl said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this Sport England funding. Being active is really important for a healthy mind and body, as well as being lots of fun, thanks to this funding more locals can reap the rewards of introducing sport into their lives. The main thrust of this project is to engage with young people who might never consider sport as a pastime, through a programme that encourages groups of young people to engage socially first and then with sport and fun activities through those friendship groups.
“This changes the face of the Foundation and we’re under no illusions that this plan is ambitious and we will be held accountable to the goals that we have set. However young people living in Manchester are amongst the most disadvantaged in England and we are driven by a genuine passion to raise the aspirations of young people and provide an opportunity for them to fulfill their potential”.
“Over the last 5 years we have supported over 200 young people a week to set goals and map out a plan to achieve them. Whether that’s becoming a brilliant entrepreneur or attempting to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games like our graduates Samuel Remi-Akimwale or Aimee Pratt. Whether they reach these goals is frankly irrelevant. The most important thing is that DMSF has provided opportunity. Opportunity for these and many young people to engage with their peers, access world class coaching and opportunities to raise their aspirations and begin to believe that they can achieve their dreams.
“Clearly this has not been achieved alone and we thank all our Partners, supporters and friends of the charity who have made this possible.”
This project is one of over 40 projects to secure a share in £8.2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England. Encouraging people to give sport a go, the fund empowers local communities to reach out to people who for one reason or another don’t exercise.
