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The “Fair Play” project was launched to support recreational running clubs

The “Fair Play” project was launched to support recreational running clubs

With the latest running boom just around the corner – and more running clubs, teams and communities coming forward to welcome more people to this great sport – it’s only fitting that we inspire young people to get involved too to start running.

Join Project Fair Play – a new initiative aimed at supporting grassroots running clubs and making running as a whole more accessible to young people in Greater Manchester and beyond.

The initiative was launched by Manchester-based sportswear brand Sudu in collaboration with Sported, a charity that provides resources and free support to grassroots football clubs and communities across the UK. She hopes to help over 550,000 young people overcome barriers and fulfill their sporting potential.

Although Sported already serves around 3,000 member groups, only 50 of them currently focus on running – which is why Project Fair Play now wants to get more young people to lace up their running shoes.

Grants for recreational running clubs

Together, Sudu and Sported will invite eligible community running groups to apply for £1,000 grants as part of the partnership. These grants will enable successful groups to grow and attract more young members and can be used to cover a range of elements including venue hire, running equipment, coaching and activity costs, equipment and infrastructure, training and qualifications etc. Under the Partnership will also award a Deep Impact Grant to an existing Manchester-based grassroots running club supported by Sported.

“Our goal is not only to help build communities, but also to advocate for mental health and wellness and create a safe space for young people,” said Vinny Clark, CEO of Levy Merchandising, where Sudu is based. “We hope to turn dreams into reality by providing much-needed tools, equipment, insights and more.”

“If you are part of a community group that focuses on running, we want to hear from you!”

Project Fair Play is expected to help at least 1,000 young people take part in running for the first time in its first year, with more new young runners to follow in the future.

“Opening the doors to help more young people get into running is one way to address inequalities in participation and improve physical and mental wellbeing,” said Mark Woods, head of marketing at Sported. “When the Sudu team first reached out to us to discuss what they wanted to achieve, it was clear that they would be a well-suited partner as fair play is a core value embedded in Sudu as a Levy brand was deeply rooted from the first day.” .

“We have the same goals – it’s about inclusivity, diversity and giving everyone a fair chance in life,” Woods continued. “Through this program we can make a real difference and we are excited about what we can achieve together.”

The positive social impact of running

In addition to providing grants to running clubs that need them most, Sudu will also work with Sported to commission and fund research that examines the positive social impact of running. In addition, the research will identify the inequality between running and other sports and lead to the development of a plan that can help close gaps and make running groups even more accessible in the North West of England and elsewhere.

Additionally, customers of Sudu – which launched its first collection of running shoes and apparel earlier this year – can support the Running for All program by donating “Sweat Points” to Sported. These Sweat Points are earned by purchasing Sudu products and then converted into pounds that do good.