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For many young people growing up in underserved communities, the world of elite sport can feel distant and inaccessible, whether due to geography, cost, or a lack of representation. That’s why the StreetGames Inspiration campaign is working to change the narrative, by connecting young people to the power and possibility of major sporting events.
At the 2025 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, held at the iconic London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, young people from across the StreetGames South East network were given the chance to not just witness, but take part in a day packed with world-class sport and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
These championships brought together Britain’s top Olympic Pathway and Para-swimmers in a fully integrated programme of heats and finals, with World Championship team selection on the line. For many of the young people attending, it was their first time seeing elite sport up close, an experience that can light the spark of ambition, inspire confidence, and create a sense of belonging in spaces they may have previously felt excluded from.
Thanks to the StreetGames Inspiration campaign, young people from community organisations including Track Academy, Burgess Sports, Beyond the Bias, and Salaam Peace were able to experience the full spectrum of what a major sporting event has to offer.
The day offered young people from the StreetGames network a unique, all-access experience at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships from cheering in the stands and soaking up the atmosphere, to swimming in the Olympic pool themselves, and even volunteering behind the scenes as part of the Athlete Kit Team. Each activity gave participants a different way to engage with elite sport, helping them feel included, inspired, and part of the action.
Launched in 2022, the StreetGames Inspiration campaign is designed to break down the cultural and financial barriers that too often prevent young people from accessing the world of sport.
Craig McFadyen, Sport Partnerships and Inspiration Campaign Manager at StreetGames, said: “Major sporting events have the power to change lives, but often they feel completely out of reach for the young people we work with. That’s what makes days like this so powerful. It’s about showing them that they belong here, that this world is theirs too as participants, leaders, fans, and everything in between.”
Yvonne Simpson from Track Academy said: “We’re incredibly proud of the young people from Track Academy who formed part of the athlete kit team at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships. Their professionalism and enthusiasm were praised by both officials and organisers, a real credit to them. We’re so thankful for this opportunity and look forward to building on this fantastic partnership.”
Inspired by this story?
If you’re an event organiser looking to create lasting community impact, or a Locally Trusted Organisation keen to connect young people with the world of elite sport, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Inspiration Campaign Lead – craig.mcfadyen@streetgames.org
