Competition: Merseyside Primary Games

Merseyside Youth Games first took place in 1992 and was one of the largest multi sports inclusive events in the UK. Underpinned with a year round school, community sport development programme, involving up to 30,000–40,000 young people in training, trials and competitions from sports clubs, schools and local authority sports programmes leading up to a Merseyside wide celebration of sporting achievements.

Since the inception of the original ‘Merseyside Youth Games,’ several developments have influenced the games direction, including the introduction of a Primary Games in 1997.

So far the games has reached and made a difference to:-

• Over one million young people, with year round development and competitive opportunities
• Over 2,000 volunteers and officials, in developing skills and experience

It has also:

• Provided a vehicle to showcase sport in Merseyside amongst political leaders/influencers and attracted Governmental and international interest and attendance
• Created three million pounds worth of media coverage (average of £180,000 annually)
• Provided a sense of identity between participants and the Local Authority they represent