Global Games brings international sporting spirit to UEL
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Published
18 June 2026
More than 800 primary school pupils from across London stepped into the world of international sport as the University of East London hosted the Sport in Your Futures (SIYF) Summer Festival 2026, transforming SportsDock into a celebration of global competition, community and aspiration.
Held on 15 and 16 June, this year's festival was themed The Global Games, drawing inspiration from some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Through a series of engaging activities and challenges, pupils aged 7-11 experienced the excitement of international sport while learning about teamwork, confidence, health and wellbeing.
The Summer Festival is the flagship event within the Sport in Your Futures programme and the largest annual community engagement event delivered by East London Sport. Over two days, more than 800 young people from schools across the capital took part in activities designed to encourage physical activity, inspire ambition and introduce children to higher education from an early age.
For many participants, the festival marked their first visit to a university campus and their first experience of a large-scale sporting environment. Hosted across SportsDock's indoor and outdoor facilities, the event gave pupils the opportunity to engage with world-class sports spaces while experiencing the energy and atmosphere of a global sporting event.
The festival reflects the University of East London's wider commitment to creating healthier futures through sport, education and community engagement. By combining physical activity with opportunities to experience university life, the programme aims to broaden horizons and demonstrate the pathways available to young people as they grow and develop.
Bringing partners together through sport
Alongside the final day of the Global Games, the University hosted the Sport in Your Futures Stakeholder Showcase and Networking Event, bringing together leaders from across the sport, education and community sectors to celebrate the programme's impact and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The event offered guests a unique opportunity to see the Global Games in action, meet participating schools, coaches and student volunteers, and gain first-hand insight into how sport can be used to improve health, wellbeing and aspiration among young people.
Representatives from organisations including Sport England, NBA Europe, the British Olympic Association, Kick It Out and StreetGames joined local authorities, education providers, community organisations and delivery partners to discuss the future of youth sport and community engagement.
The showcase highlighted the growing reach of Sport in Your Futures and the power of partnership in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. It also reinforced the shared commitment across sectors to tackling inequalities, promoting healthier lifestyles and helping the next generation reach their full potential.
For many attendees, the event demonstrated how universities can act as convenors, bringing together expertise, facilities and partnerships to deliver lasting social impact within their communities.
Inspiring the next generation
At its heart, Sport in Your Futures is about creating opportunities. The programme uses sport as a vehicle to build confidence, raise aspirations and support healthier lifestyles, while also helping young people see higher education as something that is accessible and achievable.
By introducing children to university environments at an early age, the programme helps break down barriers and encourages young people to imagine themselves in spaces they may never have previously considered. The programme also demonstrates how sport can be a powerful tool for social mobility, personal development and community connection.
The festival provided valuable experiential learning opportunities for students and volunteers, allowing them to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills while supporting younger participants and acting as role models throughout the event.
Ziana Butt BEM, Sport in Your Futures Programme Ambassador, said,
Being the Ambassador for Sport in Your Futures has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has been an honour to be a part of such an impactful programme, helping to create a positive environment and support young people to stay active."
Herbert Mensah Amoah, Student Workforce Volunteer at East London Sport, said,
Sport in Your Futures has helped me gain confidence. Shayma and Kevine have supported me throughout the programme. They've helped me gain an understanding of primary schools and their different skill and ability levels. I've also made great connections with volunteers from different colleges and UEL."
Creating healthier futures through partnership
The Global Games demonstrated how sport can bring together schools, universities, community organisations and national partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
The event showcased the University's role as a civic anchor institution, using its facilities, expertise and partnerships to support local communities and inspire the next generation. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration between sport, education and community organisations in creating healthier, more resilient and more aspirational communities.
Through initiatives such as Sport in Your Futures, the University of East London continues to champion the power of sport to improve health, build confidence, strengthen communities and create pathways to future success.
As hundreds of young people left SportsDock having experienced the excitement of international sport and university life, the message at the heart of the Global Games was clear: when communities work together, sport can open doors, raise aspirations and help build healthier futures for all.
