Access Sport Hosts an Inclusive Multi Sport Event for Pupil Referral Unit Students

On Wednesday 2 July, Access Sport and GM Moving came together to host a multi sport event for Pupil Referral Unit students in Greater Manchester.

In the article below, Kayla, a member of the Access Sport Youth Board, shares her reflections after volunteering at the event and the seeing the impact it had on the young people who attended.

Written by Kayla Hardman, Access Sport Youth Board   

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Access Sport and GM Moving Multi-sport event, which saw schools from across Greater Manchester boroughs come together in Platt Fields Park for a day of inclusive activity.  

The Day 

With 6 exciting sports on offer, BMX, tennis, basketball, football, rugby, and fitness, participants were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and take part in friendly competition with their peers. 

The young people came from Alternative Provisions and Pupil Referral Units (AP/PRUs), where opportunities like this are few and far between. Teachers highlighted just how rare it is for these young people to experience events of this kind.

More than just a day of sport, the event gave students the chance to build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and connect with peers from other schools, something that rarely happens for those in AP/PRU settings. It was a chance to feel part of a wider community and enjoy shared experiences, not to mention the excitement of taking on their teachers in a spirited tug of war!  

When asked why events like this are so important, a teacher from Broadwalk Green School said: 

“I think it just gives us a chance to get them out doing sports that A, they've probably never tried before, and B, that they're good at and they can excel further in.” 

They could also get involved with the competitive side of the sport, which some of them might not have the opportunity to do outside the school. So, I think that's the best thing for them.” 

Volunteering 

As a volunteer at the event, my role was to interview the teachers and young people taking part in the multisport festival. It was a real privilege to hear their reflection and what they enjoyed most, what they learned, and how the experience impacted them. 

What struck me most was how many of the young participants were trying these sports for the very first time. For many, it was their first time attending an event like this at all. 

One moment that really stayed with me was during an interview with a young girl who said she would never have tried BMX. At the start of the day, she was hesitant and didn’t want to take part. But after seeing her peers get involved, and with a bit of encouragement from the team, she gave it a go. By the end, she was buzzing, telling me it was the best part of her day! 

Events like this are incredibly powerful. They open the door for young people to discover new passions, build confidence, and experience the life changing benefits that sport can offer. 

For anyone thinking about volunteering, it is a fantastic way to make a positive impact. Knowing your small part can create a big impact, leaves you feeling inspired and wanting to do more. If you are thinking about volunteering, do it! Not only will you have fun, but you will leave feeling proud! 

This event was run in partnership with GM Moving. 
Jess, Children Lead at GM Moving said: 
“Without events like this, these young people potentially wouldn't get the opportunity to engage in competitive sport or opportunities outside of their school setting. And so actually giving them this opportunity to come out, take part, mix with young people of a similar kind of character and nature and show them that they can try something new, they can have fun when they do it and they can push themselves” 

Thank you to our partners who volunteered and supported this event on the day - Clearwater and Swizzles! 

Interested in learning more about our work in Manchester? 
Click the link below. 
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