StreetGames to create 200 pop up sport clubs for disadvantaged children

Sports charity StreetGames will create 200 Pop Up Clubs during the summer that will enable disadvantaged young people to get involved in sport.

The nationwide programme will be operated in partnership - and funded by - Spirit of 2012 (Spirit), a charity set up to support programmes that sustain the spirit of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Sessions have been designed to give young people the chance to take part in sports that will feature heavily at this summer's Commonwealth Games - such as athletics, table tennis and badminton.

The sports will be brought to peoples' doorsteps by organising the sessions at community halls, leisure centres and parks - meaning that sport can be accessed by all.

Jane Ashworth, CEO of StreetGames, said: "We know that large sporting events inspire young people to get active, we saw it with the Olympics and Paralympics we are sure to see it with the Commonwealth Games as well.

"At StreetGames we aim to take that inspiration and help it grow into a sporting habit for life, by giving the most disadvantaged young people the opportunity to try different types of sport, get active and even go and see the Games."

The initiative is supported by Commonwealth gold medallist Kelly Sotherton, who attended the launch of the project at Manchester's SportCity.

Sotherton said: "I have seen first hand the inspiration of the Games and the values they instil, and believe it is essential that young people of all backgrounds get the opportunity to experience that as well. I'm privileged to support this partnership to bring sport to the doorstep of young people across the UK."

StreetGames and Spirit are also setting up a camp in Glasgow - from 24th July to 2nd August - which will give 1,000 young people from more than 80 StreetGames projects the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Commonwealth Games.

• Spirit of 2012 was set up by the Big Lottery Fund with an endowment of £46m from the sale of the Olympic and Paralympic village. It tackles isolation and disadvantage by supporting organisations that provide arts, volunteering and sport opportunities.