Young people celebrate summer of free sport at tournament

Young people from across Leicester gathered together for a friendly tournament last week (20 Aug) to celebrate the end of a summer packed with free sport and physical activity sessions.

The sessions, delivered in communities across the city, were held at the city council’s multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and PlayZones throughout the school summer holidays, helping people to make the most of newly-created or refurbished spaces for sport.

Young people were able to book onto the sessions for free and benefit from expert coaching by Leicester City in the Community and the Leicester Riders.

Hosted at St Margaret's Pastures, the celebration event gave participants the chance to put their skills into practice, enjoy friendly competition and celebrate the achievements they have made during the summer programme.

More than 100 young people took part, with medals and trophies awarded to tournament winners following an afternoon of matches and activities.

The tournament marked the culmination of a programme of free activities funded by Leicester City Council and delivered in neighbourhoods including Belgrave, Netherhall, Woodgate, Highfields, Humberstone, Eyres Monsell, New Parks, Thurnby Lodge and Northfields.

Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for sports, said: “I’m delighted that our investment into community sports facilities has paid off.

"These free sessions are held at our newly refurbished facilities and are funded by the city council. We know that they are particularly valued in local neighbourhoods where affordable activities for young people can make a real difference.

"As a council, we are proud to work with our partners to help deliver these sessions and create opportunities for young people to stay active, make new friends and develop their skills."

Matt Bray, head of programmes at Leicester City in the Community, said: "It has been great to deliver sessions across the city in new venues this summer and see so many young people taking part. The commitment and enthusiasm shown by participants has been outstanding, particularly during the recent hot weather, and it was wonderful to bring everyone together for this end-of-summer celebration."

Some community MUGAs and PlayZones will continue with weekly coaching sessions delivered by Leicester City in the Community into the autumn – you can find details of these at Leicester City in the Community.

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LCC News - Published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026