Building stronger, safer community sport: How partnership support helped the Hartlepool Grizzlies thrive

A collaborative partnership between StreetGames, Tees Valley Sport and Hartlepool Grizzlies has strengthened governance, improved safeguarding and expanded inclusive sporting opportunities – helping to bring Kabaddi to the heart of Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Grizzlies is a Kabaddi and multi-sport club operating under Mariners United Sporting Club CIC – a community-led organisation promoting physical activity, wellbeing and cross-cultural understanding across Hartlepool and the wider Tees Valley.

Club founder Aaron Roy connected with Lindsay Hildreth, Network Funding Officer and North East Safeguarding Lead at StreetGames, at the Hartlepool Sport Club network meeting in May 2025. Aaron was looking for support to embed the new club within the local community, connect with partners, and identify potential funding opportunities.

Partnership Development

Recognising the challenges of operating without a formal governing body, Lindsay linked Aaron with Patrick Burney, Senior Sports Welfare Officer at Tees Valley Sport, to explore ways to strengthen the club’s structures and ensure all sessions were delivered safely.

“The Grizzlies have benefitted greatly from the guidance and ongoing support of Tees Valley Sport, particularly through Patrick Burney. Patrick’s expertise has been instrumental in strengthening the club’s governance, safeguarding and inclusion frameworks.” – Aaron Roy, Hartlepool Grizzlies

With support from Tees Valley Sport, the club implemented:

A Safeguarding and Inclusion Policy aligned with Sport England’s Safe to Play standards
A Volunteer and Coach Code of Conduct promoting equality, safety and respect
A designated Welfare Officer role to ensure participant protection and accountability

These developments have strengthened the club’s governance, enhanced professionalism, and built confidence among volunteers and participants.

Impact

Mariners United Sporting Club CIC has also benefited from StreetGames’ Kit Out programme, which provided free sportswear and protective gear for participants at Hartlepool’s first-ever Beach Kabaddi event. The initiative removed financial barriers, encouraged family involvement, and showcased Kabaddi’s inclusivity and energy in a unique coastal setting.

“The Beach Kabaddi event received huge appreciation from the local community, attracting spectators from diverse backgrounds. Our engagement with StreetGames through the Race for Investment initiative has also supported capacity-building, volunteer development, and outreach to underrepresented groups. Together, these partnerships have empowered us to become a model for inclusive community sport, demonstrating how sport can unite people, build resilience and celebrate cultural diversity in Hartlepool.” – Aaron Roy, Hartlepool Grizzlies

This partnership between StreetGames, Tees Valley Sport and Hartlepool Grizzlies highlights how collaborative working can strengthen community sport clubs, improve safeguarding standards and widen access to inclusive opportunities across the Tees Valley.