Exploring the Role of Sport in Tackling Homelessness II

Sport has long been recognised for its ability to improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and bring people together. Across Greater Manchester and beyond, clubs and foundations already work with individuals and communities facing disadvantage offering trusted spaces, routine, and connection. But can sport be used more deliberately as a tool for preventing homelessness?

Our latest roundtable brought together partners from the worlds of sport, housing, and homelessness to explore that question. Building on earlier discussions and ongoing work with the Centre for Homelessness Impact, the conversation focused on prevention, recognising that early support, though often unseen, can make a critical difference in building stability before crisis occurs.

Participants reflected on the opportunities sport presents at individual, community, and policy levels, from coaches acting as trusted figures who can spot risk early, to clubs using their venues and platforms to challenge stigma and create new routes into support, employment, and community connection. At the same time, the discussion highlighted key barriers, including gaps in evidence, funding structures that prioritise crisis response, and the need for shared language and clearer frameworks to demonstrate impact.

There was strong agreement that progress will depend on collaboration, better data, and practical tools that help sporting organisations understand and strengthen their role in homelessness prevention.

Read the full write up below.