This is the first facility we have developed that combines basketball and cycling in one inclusive space!

Access Sport has supported the development of new cycling and basketball facilities in Cadishead Park, Salford, Greater Manchester, to empower local disadvantaged and disabled young people to get active and connect.

To celebrate the official opening of these newly developed facilities, we hosted an inclusive community celebration event on 28 October. Under the sunshine, young people from the local community gathered at the new space to enjoy free, inclusive cycling and basketball sessions run by our team!

After lots of riding and play, the community gathered for an inspiring confetti-filled opening ceremony, as well as speeches from the Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennet, our Chief Executive, Helen Rowbotham and Elieen Buchan, a local Youth Service Manager!

This is the second community BMX pump track that we have supported in the region, with a new cycling facility in Little Hulton launched in 2021. Young riders from Little Hulton helped to build and shape this new facility, and it is now a thriving community hub.

The project is also part of a wider strategic partnership between Access Sport and the London Marathon Foundation, which will see £1.6 million invested in inclusive basketball and cycling activities nationwide. The partnership aims to embed inclusion in community sport by training volunteers, activating new community facilities and supporting community clubs to run inclusive offers.

Following the launch event, we will activate a community club for both the basketball court and the all-wheel pump track to ensure the long-term impact of these facilities. By establishing a thriving community on both the court and the track, we will be able to support local young people to get active, connect and create a real sense of togetherness for years to come.

Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive at Access Sport, said:

"Thank you to all of the partners and Access Sport colleagues involved in bringing everything together and getting this amazing facility over the line. High-quality spaces like this one can bring communities together and open the door for young people to access the life-changing benefits of sport. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the basketball court and track will have in the years to come!”

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said:

“It is fantastic to see these new basketball and cycling facilities open for people to use in Cadishead Park. The facilities are aimed at young people of all abilities, and I’m particularly pleased to see they are fully accessible for disabled young people. A huge thank you once again goes to all involved in bringing this to life. It goes towards our ambitions of making this city a better and fairer place for all."

Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at London Marathon Foundation, said:

"It is brilliant to see this new facility at Cadishead Park now open for the community to enjoy. At the London Marathon Foundation, we want sport and physical activity to be accessible to all, which is why we are delighted to fund projects like this through our strategic partnership with Access Sport. This facility will be somewhere the whole community can enjoy cycling and basketball, whe re individuals can come to connect with one another and where everyone can experience the mental and physical joy of being active.”

Julie Thompson, General Manager and Regeneration Advisor at Hamilton Davies Trust, said:

“Hamilton Davies Trust are delighted to support the development of the Pump Track at Cadishead Park. This facility will provide a fantastic multifunctional resource for young people in the district to enjoy for years to come.”

Mrs Mary-Liz Walker JP DL at the Booth Charities said:

“We, at The Booth Charities, are delighted to support this new cycling and basketball centre in Cadishead Park. Seeing first-hand how our funding has contributed to these state-of-the-art facilities for families, young people and the young at heart, we are confident that local communities will reap the benefits for many years to come.”

Toni Zekaria at the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation said:

“The Trustees of the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation are most impressed by the way Access Sport tackles the access barriers to community sport faced by disadvantaged and disabled young people, and are proud to have supported the new cycling track at Cadishead Park.”

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said:

"Having local, accessible and high-quality facilities available to the community is vital in encouraging more people, regardless of their age, background or bank balance, to be active. Congratulations to the many funding partners that have made this happen. Our goal remains clear in helping bring the joy of cycling to everyone, and facilities like these are integral in providing those opportunities. It’s amazing to see this track up and running, and we are proud to have supported its development, in what looks to be an integral part of the community for years to come.”

Toby Wilkinson, Basketball England Facilities Manager at Basketball England, said:

"We are delighted to support the launch of another Access Sport basketball court renovation. Access Sport’s tireless work to regenerate outdoor courts is helping to introduce our sport to thousands of young people across the country, and aligns perfectly with our #ProjectSwish campaign. We look forward to seeing the court serve the wider basketball community for many years to come."

Hannah Dobson, Business Development Manager at Velosolutions UK, the lead contractor of the facility, said: