Glow Dodgeball has been a shining success in Tameside

By GM Moving | 12 March 2025 | TAGS: youth, schools, osf, Opening school facilities, Tameside

Tameside School Sport Partnership (TSSP) has specifically focused on Glow Dodgeball to widen the School Games participation offer for targeted groups of children.

Through aligning the offer with the Opening School Facilities (OSF) programme, this has allowed access to local, well-equipped venues and specialised equipment, expanding the scope of school sports activities by making them more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for a diverse range of students.

Glow Dodgeball events have created a fun and inclusive alternative to traditional competitive sports, focusing on providing positive experiences for all participants. These events have specifically targeted disengaged children, girls-only groups, and younger year groups, and have proven to be highly popular, often becoming oversubscribed within minutes.

The offer has encouraged schools to rethink their approach to competition, shifting the focus from winning to fostering child-centred, fun-filled experiences that help develop positive relationships with sport and physical activity.

Evolution of Dodgeball Events

Traditionally, dodgeball competitions were known for being highly competitive, often dominated by the same group of highly skilled children. This led to a scenario where many others felt excluded, unable to participate in the spirit of the game. Recognising this, Tameside SSP sought to create a more inclusive version of the game.

The new format of Glow Dodgeball completely reimagines the traditional approach, turning the focus away from intense competition and toward a fun, light-hearted, and inclusive atmosphere. Gone are the aggressive elements of the sport, replaced by games that are designed to ensure every child has a positive experience.

Glow Dodgeball incorporates exciting elements like UV lights, music, and a playful dress-up theme where participants are encouraged to wear bright, fluorescent outfits. There are no winners or medals in this version of the game. Instead, the event is designed purely around participation, with 2-minute games and rotating teams, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to play, regardless of skill level.

On the shift in dodgeball format, Emma Toone, Tameside Schools Partnership Manager said

"We looked at it and thought, actually, let’s see how that goes, and let’s see if we can work together... we can make it less competitive and less aggressive and more of a fun time... it’s all about making sure that schools are confident enough to take part in something where it’s not all about winning."

Venue and Accessibility

A key factor in the success of the Glow Dodgeball initiative has been its accessibility. The event was made possible through a collaboration with the OSF programme, which partners with local schools to provide access to quality sports facilities and equipment that they may not have had previously.

The chosen venue for Glow Dodgeball is Astley Sports Village, centrally located and easily accessible to schools, with many able to reach the venue on foot. The sports hall is well-equipped with the necessary facilities, including UV lights, sound systems, and enough space to accommodate multiple games simultaneously. This has allowed the event to host large groups, creating a buzz and excitement around the events.

Target Groups and Participation

Initially, Glow Dodgeball focused on engaging students who were not typically involved in physical activity or school sports teams. These events provided an opportunity for children who may have felt disconnected from traditional competitive sports to experience the joy of being active in a non-intimidating environment.

On the inclusion and fun aspect of Glow Dodgeball, Emma said:

"It's just purely participation... it’s like a disco, that’s all I can explain. When we put the music on, the children are dancing... and then a dodgeball comes out."

The success of these early events led to an expansion of the initiative, with girls-only events and opportunities for specific year groups (Years 3-4, Years 5-6) to participate. The events have become so popular that they often see high demand, with some events oversubscribed within minutes of being announced. Each event hosts 12 teams of 6-7 children, ensuring a mix of participation from different backgrounds and skill levels.

As of now, 5-6 events are held per academic year, with the sixth event on the horizon, reflecting the high level of interest and demand for Glow Dodgeball in the community.

Impact and Feedback

The response to Glow Dodgeball has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback from both students and schools highlighting the success of the initiative. Many participants have reported a newfound love for physical activity, and schools have recognised the value of offering non-competitive, participation-based events. Children who may have previously lacked confidence to engage in traditional sports are now motivated to try other activities.

Some schools have been so impressed by the Glow Dodgeball model that they are now considering purchasing their own UV equipment to run similar events independently.

Attitude Change in Schools- A Culture shift for schools

Glow Dodgeball has also contributed to a broader cultural shift in schools. The movement has encouraged a shift in focus from winning to the importance of creating positive experiences and fostering participation for all students.

Furthermore, the initiative has led to a shift in mindset within schools, with many educators now prioritising opportunities that allow for  positive, enjoyable experiences over competitive ones.

Previously, competitions were often limited to the top performers, with a focus on results and trophies. Now, schools are being encouraged to select a wider range of students to participate in events, ensuring that children who might otherwise be left out get the chance to be involved. This change challenges the notion that only the most competitive children should attend sports events, fostering a more inclusive approach.

On the growing popularity and engagement, Emma said,

"We saw schools come in dressed up, some with face paint, and it was like, 'Oh, look at what they’re wearing!' and the next event, they came back even more elaborate with their outfits."

"One child, who had just moved schools and was struggling to engage, ended up dancing the whole time... it just shows how this environment gave him the confidence to express himself in a way he wouldn’t have in a more competitive setting."

Next Steps

With the success of the Glow Dodgeball initiative, there are several exciting next steps to consider. The team is looking to implement Glow Dodgeball at a local Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, creating an adapted version of the event that is tailored to the specific needs of SEN students.

The initiative is also looking to explore other "glow" sports variations, such as Glow Cricket and Glow Netball, to continue expanding the scope of the expansion and provide even more opportunities for children to engage in non-competitive, enjoyable physical activity.

Given the continued demand and positive feedback, Glow Dodgeball events are set to remain a regular part of the school sports calendar. Furthermore, school funding will be utilised to further develop and expand the concept, ensuring that even more children can take part in this exciting and inclusive initiative.

Finally, a key focus will be on working with schools that have yet to participate, especially those with a more highly competitive approach to sports. The aim is to shift their perspective on sports events and show them the value of creating positive, inclusive experiences for all students.

On the overall impact of the initiative, Emma said,

"I think embracing a more positive experience has made us think differently about our competitions... we’ve become more focused on what’s best for the child rather than just ticking a box or focusing on winning."

Conclusion:

Glow Dodgeball has proven to be a resounding success in Tameside, not only offering a fun alternative to traditional sports but also helping to transform attitudes toward physical activity and competition in schools. By prioritising participation, inclusivity, and enjoyment, the offer has shown how school sports can be a platform for positive experiences that engage children of all backgrounds and abilities. As the initiative continues to evolve, the hope is to inspire even more schools to embrace this exciting new way to play and compete.