One thousand young people will join a camp being set up in the city from July 24 to August 2, taking part in outdoor challenges, pop-up clubs and watching athletes in action.

And 200 pop-up clubs will give thousands of others the chance to take part in their very own Commonwealth Games, with athletics, table tennis and badminton sessions on offer.

Organisers say the clubs will bring sports "to peoples' doorsteps by coming to community halls, leisure centres and parks ", and as part of the sessions, dodgeball and rugby will be showcased as a way of keeping fit.

It is all being put on by StreetGames, a national sports charity bringing sport to disadvantaged young people in UK communities, in partnership and funded by Spirit of 2012, a charity set up to support programmes "that sustain the spirit" of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The programme was launched today at Sportcity in Manchester - which was at the heart of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in the city - and is supported by Melbourne 2006 heptathlete champion Kelly Sotherton and former hockey player Charlotte Hartley.

Former heptathlete Kelly Sotherton said it is essential young people of all backgrounds can experience the inspiration of the Commonwealth Games ©StreetGames//Kate Philips



"We know that large sporting events inspire young people to get active, we saw it with the Olympics and Paralympics, we are sure to see it with the Commonwealth Games as well," said StreetGames chief executive Jane Ashworth.

"At StreetGames we aim to take that inspiration and help it grow into a sporting habit for life, by giving the most disadvantaged young people the opportunity to try different types of sport, get active and even go and see the Games."

The charity says it wants to "overcome barriers to being active" and "ensure young people can engage with Glasgow 2014 wherever they are".

Spirit chief executive Debbie Lye said: "At the Spirit of 2012 Trust we want to ensure that neighbourhoods across the country get to feel the excitement of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"StreetGames has the network to reach all corners of the UK and the experience to make sport fun and accessible to all.

"I am proud that this partnership is part of Spirit's first major investment. "

Sotherton said it is "essential that young people of all backgrounds" get the chance to experience the inspiration of the Games and "the values they instil".

Glasgow 2014 is due to open on July 23 and is run until August 3.