Opening School Facilities at Bankfields Primary School

Our main aim was to enable children from deprived backgrounds to experience a diverse range of sports and physical activities, fostering an understanding of the benefits of regular exercise and the opportunities available in the world of sports. We identified a significant link between deprivation and limited physical activity, with many students lacking access to varied sports due to financial, social, or logistical barriers.

We saw a noticeable increase in student participation in physical activity, with many students expressing greater enthusiasm and confidence in trying new sports. Importantly, we observed a shift in the mindset of many children, who began to view sports as a positive and achievable pursuit. The initiative also led to improved attendance rates and engagement in school, as students were motivated by the activities they participated in. More importantly, we believe we succeeded in raising aspirations—by exposing children to various sporting opportunities, we demonstrated that there is a world of potential beyond what they had previously known.

Throughout our journey, we took immense pride in actively involving the community in our sporting activities. In our final year, we introduced Muay Thai to our parents, inspired by the enthusiasm and enjoyment our students had experienced through the club. This initiative not only allowed parents to engage in something new but also created a sense of unity and shared excitement. Ending our journey with this activity felt both fitting and important as it allowed us to close on a high note, celebrating the success of our program and the bonds we had built throughout the years.

Click here to read the full case study.

Case study provided courtesy of Redcar & Eston School Sport Partnership CIC.