SUDU, a Manchester-based sportswear company, collaborates with Sported to launch Project Fair Play, aimed at enhancing community sports.
- The initiative seeks to support over 550,000 young people by making running more accessible and inclusive in Greater Manchester.
- Out of 3,000 community clubs Sported assists, only 50 focus on running, highlighting the project’s necessity.
- The project provides resources, support, and grants to grassroots clubs while tackling various societal issues.
- SUDU’s collaboration with Sported also entails research to understand disparities in sports’ societal impact.
SUDU, a prominent sportswear brand headquartered in Manchester, has joined forces with the charity Sported to launch an ambitious initiative called Project Fair Play. The project is designed to make running accessible and inclusive for over 550,000 young people, primarily in Greater Manchester. This collaboration targets a critical gap within Sported’s extensive network, where only a small fraction of clubs focus on running.
Through this partnership, SUDU and Sported aim to fund a Deep Impact Grant dedicated to supporting a grassroots club based in Manchester. In addition, the initiative will seek to identify and support more running-oriented community groups by bringing them into the Sported membership fold. This endeavour includes financial grants and resources that encompass various needs such as venue hire, participant costs, coaching expenses, and necessary equipment.
Vinny Clark, CEO of Levy Merchandising, expressed a strong commitment to community building and mental health. He stated, “Our goal is not only to help build communities, but to champion mental health and wellbeing, and to create a safe space for young people.” The project will initially provide £1,000 grants to running clubs addressing core societal issues such as accessibility, community cohesion, health, inequality, and crime reduction.
Year one of the project is anticipated to empower approximately 1,000 young people to participate in running activities. These grants aim to alleviate multiple expenses, encouraging broader participation in sports. In parallel, SUDU and Sported plan to commission research that investigates how running compares with other sports in generating social impact. This research will inform strategies to enhance access and effectiveness of running clubs.
Mark Woods, head of marketing at Sported, praised the collaboration, highlighting the shared values of inclusivity and opportunity for all. He remarked, “Through this programme, we can make a real difference and we’re excited about what we can achieve working together.” As a complementary initiative, SUDU allows its customers to donate ‘Sweat Points’ to support Sported, converting purchases into funding for the project.
By fostering opportunity and inclusivity, Project Fair Play strives to transform the scope of community sports for young people.
