A programme designed to help more people living and working in Southwick become active is celebrating a significant milestone.
Change the Game, which focuses on making it easier for the Southwick community to take part in physical activity, has now recorded more than 20,000 attendances since its launch in January 2023.
Active Through Football is a national Sport England initiative, funded by the National Lottery and delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation. Known locally as Change the Game – Southwick, the project provides people who live or work in the area with a timetable of activities delivered from local venues.
The programme has been created to be fun, welcoming and accessible to everyone, including those who are completely new to being active. Participants enjoy a wide range of activities — from walking football and Clubbercise to yoga, Pilates and seated exercise.
Shaped by the people of Southwick, residents and community groups have helped to guide what the programme looks like and what it offers. By reflecting what matters to the community, the weekly sessions are designed to help more people get active in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming and right for them.
Terry Crombie, who leads a walking football group as part of the programme, said:
“These classes benefit people not just for their physical health but because they create a sense of community in the area. Sometimes older people can get a bit cut off from society and can be nervous about taking the first steps towards getting gentle exercise and meeting new people again.
“The football is just one side of the group; the most important thing is that we meet up, have a game followed by quiz and chat and just generally have a laugh. So many people have mentioned how much this means to them and it’s always great to hear. Anyone is welcome to come along and give it a go.”
Brian, 69, attends Terry’s walking football group. He said:
“Walking football simply re-energised me. It is more than just a game it’s my support system; it’s a way to stay fit and it helps my mental health as well as my fitness and weight loss.
“When I’m playing it takes my mind off any problems I might be having, and best of all I have made lots of new friends. I really don’t know where I would be without walking football, I recommend it for anybody of any age.”
Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, and Tourism, said:
“It is fantastic to see the success of the Change the Game programme. I’m delighted it has reached 20,000 attendances and to see that so many people have gained from it both physically and mentally.
“We know that being physically active has so many benefits for our health, but these classes are also helping to create a sense of community in Southwick, which further aids residents’ wellbeing.”
If you live or work in Southwick and would like to find out more about Change the Game, visit: Change the Game – Southwick | Links for Life Sunderland
