Expressions of Interest: Supporting and enabling grassroots sports clubs in Greater Manchester to strengthen their role as community assets
Grassroots sports clubs form an important part of the social infrastructure of many neighbourhoods. Their value is not only in what they deliver, but in the relationships, networks and spaces they hold within their communities. As community-led organisations, they can create opportunities for people to connect, contribute and shape what happens locally, with their value often extending beyond their sporting offer.
Across Greater Manchester, many clubs already play a wider role in community life. However, we do not yet have a sufficiently clear understanding of what enables clubs to develop and sustain this role, how it varies across different places and communities, and how partners can best support clubs in ways that are locally relevant, sustainable and inclusive.
GM Moving is seeking a research and learning partner to help explore these questions. We are interested in understanding what enables grassroots sports clubs to operate as sustainable and inclusive community assets, what gets in the way, and how clubs, communities and system partners can create the conditions for success.
The research will generate practical learning to help clubs and partners across Greater Manchester strengthen this role, while recognising that every club, community and place is different. It will explore the organisational, community and system-level factors that enable or constrain clubs, and identify actionable learning to inform future investment, workforce development, partnership working and policy.
We welcome proposals from organisations and partnerships with relevant experience in research, community sport, place-based working, systems change, community development, or related fields. We are particularly interested in partners who share our commitment to collaboration, learning and translating insight into practical action.
Key Information
- Deadline: 16 October 2026, 5pm
- Contract period: November 2026 to May 2027
- Budget: £15,000 + VAT, with the potential to increase to £20,000 + VAT where suppliers can demonstrate clear additional value beyond the core requirements.
- Contact: holly@gmmoving.co.uk
Download the full brief to find out more.
Summary
Starting at £15,000
Greater Manchester (flexible)
fixed term
Consultancy Opportunity
Download brief: Supporting and enabling sports clubs as community assets
Holly Grimes, Strategic Lead for Sport Partnerships
holly@gmmoving.co.uk
