National Governing Bodies

Across GM Moving there is an appetite and energy to engage with NGBs, refocus on sport and see what opportunities there are to explore how sport can play its part in reaching diverse communities, support the wider wellbeing of participants, address inactivity and inequalities and make sure that the brilliant work being done within sports becomes more connected and integrated. 

The first GM Moving NGB Engagement Event was held on 29 November 2023, and there were 29 representatives from 20 different sports. The energy and purpose in the room was felt as attendees reconnected with old contacts, and established links with new colleagues. 

The event aimed to reintroduce GM Moving to NGBs, and to give NGBs the space and opportunity to connect. We shared the GM Moving work on Volunteering in Sport, Physical Activity and Movement. We also heard about the Place Partnership work across GM, and the Sport Welfare Officer network which will promote good practice and safe sport at a local level. There was plenty of time for discussion and sharing, and the video below shows what some NGB representatives took from the day.

GM Moving Exec Lead Hayley Lever has previously written this blog Changing the world; through people, movement and connections, that highlights the importance of networks in creating positive change.   

The second NGB engagement event in February 2024 had a focus on children and young people, as this was identified as a priority area for many of the attendees. GM Moving Children and Young People’s Team shared some of data about children and young people's activity levels. Attendees were given opportunity to join conversations about youth voice, education and positive experiences for children and young people.  

Following the success of these events and desire to build on the network, we have committed to create opportunities for NGB colleagues to continue to develop stronger relationships and connections; with each other, with GM Moving and with other system partners working to address inactivity and inequalities. A full schedule of planned events and opportunities will be updated on our website.  

We are continuing one-to-one conversations and relationship building with NGBs to explore local priorities and barriers. This will help to shape future engagement events and plans, and make sure we can identify opportunities to further integrate sports into local places and communities. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved in this work.