Grassroots sports clubs in Greater Manchester are vital to helping people be active, connected and part of their communities. Many of these clubs face similar challenges around creating safe, sustainable and inclusive environments while they working to grow participation and supporting volunteers.
We hosted a day of opportunity and connection for sports clubs
In July 2026, our GM Moving Sports Club Conference created an opportunity for clubs from across Greater Manchester to come together. We designed the day to allow clubs to network, share learning and best practice, learn from one another, and strengthen the wider community sport network across the city-region.
How we used feedback to create a unique conference
The conference was designed around the priorities and challenges that clubs told us mattered to them. Using feedback from previous Sports Club Conferences alongside insights from a pre-conference survey, we built a clear understanding of what mattered most to clubs. This feedback directly shaped our agenda, including the discussion topics, workshops, and club panel – which focused on creating safe, sustainable and inclusive clubs.
We tailored the day to attendees’ needs and interests, creating highly relevant discussions, powerful shared learning and meaningful connections. We also designed the conference format so participants could feel heard, valued and empowered to join in.
Turning inspiring stories into inclusive sports design
The day was filled with powerful moments that challenged thinking and inspired specific action. Our keynote speakers, Kelly Gordon and Abigail Irozuru, brought the experiences of women and girls in sport to life through their honest, thought-provoking reflections. Their insights sparked powerful conversations across the room and set the tone for themed table discussions where clubs shared experiences, exchanged ideas and explored how to create more inclusive sporting environments.
The club panel was another standout moment, with representatives from Our Goal CIC, StreetGames UK and Avro FC sharing honest stories and practical examples of what it takes to build safe, inclusive and sustainable club environments. Their openness grounded the conference in real club experience, while the networking sessions helped clubs turn inspiration into action by building new relationships, sharing best practice and identifying opportunities to work together.
What did people gain from the GM Sports Club Conference this year?
Already, we have heard a range of glowing feedback from this year’s conference. Attendees valued the practical nature of the conference, with the workshops, panel discussions, and themed discussions providing ideas and approaches they could take back to their own clubs.
Many people mentioned how valuable it was to have the opportunity to learn from other organisations facing similar challenges.
“I enjoyed listening to a variety of sport clubs and challenges they face.”
Attendees also valued the resources provided on the day. As well as discussions and networking opportunities, attendees received practical tools and guidance that could be applied within their own clubs.
The toolkits we shared on the day has given clubs tangible actions and ideas to support their future development. These resources will equip them with the confidence, tools and guidance to put their learning into practice beyond the conference.
“So many resources and examples of good practice for women and girls.”
What impact will our conference have for 2026 and beyond?
The conference brought together clubs, partners, and organisations from across Greater Manchester. This was a day that created valuable opportunities for conversations that may not otherwise have happened.
Attendees were able to learn about support they can access, while exchanging ideas, exploring potential partnerships, and building relationships with organisations. This will all help them address challenges and develop new opportunities within their clubs.
By connecting clubs from different sports and backgrounds, the event built a powerful sense of shared purpose and collaboration. It strengthened the wider grassroots sport network across Greater Manchester and created momentum for clubs to work together, share ideas and drive lasting change in their communities.
How collective action is changing sports culture
While individual organisations can achieve a great deal on their own, we know that bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences creates a stronger foundation for long term impact.
By working together and convening at our conference, clubs, partners and support organisations can help build a more inclusive, safer, sustainable, and accessible sporting landscape. Together, we’re ensuring more people across Greater Manchester can enjoy and benefit from sport and physical activity.
So what does the future hold for sports clubs in our city-region?
We hear that clubs have left the conference feeling inspired, better connected and equipped with new ideas they can take back into their organisations. We want the conversations started at the conference to continue, whether that’s through new partnerships, sharing good practice or accessing support from partners and networks.
Long term, this is another step towards building a stronger, safer, and more connected grassroots sports community across Greater Manchester. The conference is just one part of that journey, and we look forward to continuing to support clubs through future training, workshops, networking opportunities and partner support.
Get involved
Join us to keep building a stronger, safer, and more connected grassroots sports community across Greater Manchester.
