Greater Manchester Sports Partnership was formed in 2000 to deliver a specific Sport England programme called Active Sports. The organisation had previously existed since 1997 as Greater Manchester Youth Games, and with the advent of Active Sports it was felt that the organisation should evolve to take on this new phase of activity. The change of name reflected this broadening of purpose, and key appointments were made in the form of Richard Saunders as Chief Executive, and Steve De Wint as Development Manager (now Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership).
Early achievements included the formulation of a genuine network of partners to deliver these new programmes, and the successful securing of Active Sports funding for all 10 of the specific sports included in the programme (Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Girls Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Swimming, Tennis)
