Active Together: Football and Friendship in Leigh
Here's a strong example of GM Moving’s wider vision: creating positive movement experiences for everyone in Greater Manchester, rooted in community, equity, and joy.
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Last month, young people from Global Friends, Everything Human Rights, and Leigh Mosque joined GM Moving, Jo Platt MP, and local community leaders for a friendly 7-a-side football match at Leigh East Football Club. As part of a summer holiday programme led by Everything Human Rights, the event offered young people a chance to connect, play, and build relationships across communities.
Summer Activities in Leigh
Over the summer, young people from diverse backgrounds have taken part in walks, football sessions, and swimming activities, all designed to encourage friendship, inclusion, and enjoyment. Weekly football matches have helped participants develop teamwork, break down barriers, and strengthen friendships. It has also promoted physical literacy, helping young people develop the confidence, skills, and understanding to enjoy and value movement throughout their lives. We’re proud to see this work being supported our very own Jess Eastoe and Alex Crompton.
Partnership in Action
The programme thrives on collaboration. Everything Human Rights led the sessions, ensuring activities reflected the voices and needs of young people. Global Friends, supported by Wigan Council, brought expertise in engaging refugee and asylum-seeking youth, making sessions welcoming and culturally sensitive. Leigh Mosque encouraged participation from its community, helping the event reflect the rich diversity of Leigh and overcome barriers such as language, integration, or financial access.
Empowering Girls and Young Women
Before the match, a girls’ group gathered to talk, play games, and connect in a safe, inclusive space. This allowed participants to express themselves, build confidence, and explore movement. This resonates with our wider Feel Good Your Way campaign, which celebrates joy and choice in physical activity.
The Match
The highlight of the evening was the football game itself, with young people facing a team of adults including community leaders and parents. The game ended 1–1, with penalties giving the adults a narrow win. Yet the spirit of the event was clear: adults stepped aside to let young people continue playing, showing that connection, inclusion, and fun mattered more than competition.
Community Impact
Young people left feeling more confident and willing to try new activities. The design of the activities helped to shift attitudes towards physical activity by embedding movement in a social and culturally sensitive context while supporting mental health, wellbeing, and social connection. Free access, local delivery, and trusted partners removed barriers, allowing participants from different backgrounds to play together, fostering mutual respect and stronger community cohesion through the joy of movement.
Learning & What’s Next
The programme highlighted the power of safe, inclusive, and culturally aware spaces, particularly for girls and young women. By working together, youth workers, parents, and faith leaders can build sustainable programmes that deliver broad, lasting impact, even on limited budgets.
This session is a shining example of GM Moving’s wider vision: creating positive movement experiences for everyone in Greater Manchester, rooted in community, equity, and joy. When movement is inclusive, culturally relevant, and co-designed with local voices, it becomes a powerful force for wellbeing and social change.
To learn more about how you or your organisation can get involved in creating inclusive movement opportunities, get in touch with our team. Together, we can ensure every young person in Greater Manchester has the chance to move, feel good, and thrive.
To learn more about the incredible work of our lead partner, visit Everything Human Rights. This Leigh-based community group is dedicated to supporting migrant ethnic minorities through empowerment, integration, and human rights advocacy.
Want to get involved?
Explore the Feel Good Your Way campaign.
Connect with local movement projects.
Partner with GM Moving to co-create inclusive activities in your community.
Together, we’re building a Greater Manchester where everyone can move more, feel better, and belong.
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