After The Lowry the movement continues: Reflections from the GM Moving Conference 2025

By John Caven, 3v3 UK | 23 June 2025 | TAGS: football, 3v3, Women & Girls, inclusive, sport, partnerships, conference

While many of you were deep in inspiring conversations inside The Lowry, I spent most of the day just outside, shouting encouragement, passing footballs to strangers, and doing my best to bring the energy of spontaneous play into the open air.

We might not have had a chance to chat in person, but that spirit of inviting everyone into the game is exactly what 3v3 UK, AllPlay, and female champions GWL UNITED are all about.

Since the conference, it’s been non stop.

We've been hosting girls-only festivals across the country, and launching 'The Greater Game' roadshow in Devon alongside the FA. We've also been supporting events in Scotland, the Midlands, and down South as part of our National 3v3 Qualifiers. We've very much been on the road since, setting up AirPitches and continuing the work we started outside the Lowry: getting more people, from more communities, more involved.

Whats next?

• Bringing the energy to Climb 25 and The National Grassroots Football Show at the NEC.
• Working hand in hand with Her Game Too to expand female participation across the UK.
• Partnering with disability organisations using our AirPitches to amplify impact for children and adults with neurodiversity, mental health challenges, diabetes, Down Syndrome and more.

Everywhere we go, we’re guided by one question: How can we make football and movement, more inclusive, more creative, and more meaningful for the most amount of people?

This is your call to action. Whether you’re a school, a club, a community hub, a local authority, or simply someone with a bold idea, let’s connect.

We’re actively seeking opportunities to co-create:

• Weekly sessions
• One off festivals
• Strategic regional partnerships
• Fundraisers
• New pilots and local initiatives

From national initiatives like Wildcats and Comets, to walking football, faith-based play, and SEND-specific delivery, or culturally-inclusive formats, if there is any way we can bring people together through play we want to hear about it.

Get in touch with us at the 3v3 website (www.3v3.co.uk) or email [email protected] for more information.