Sports charity StreetGames has secured a £6.6m grant from Sport England, which will enable it to expand its activities to 50 areas.

The funding will be spread over three years and follows an initial £500,000 grant last year.

StreetGames uses sport to help UK communities to become healthier and safer.

The charity will use the funding to work with its network of local organisations to develop opportunities alongside young people.

Some of its activities are based at satellite clubs – extensions of community sports clubs that are established in a new venue where young people already meet – where there will be opportunities to get active and volunteer.

Since its launch in 2008, it has attracted 3.8 million attendees to its sessions and events, involving 6,182 coaches and 15,000 volunteers.

“We are committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged young people and their communities through sport,” said StreetGames CEO and co-founder, Jane Ashworth.

“We not only get them more active but ensure we support their mental and physical wellbeing, develop them as individuals within their communities, combat inequalities and help build an activity habit that stays with them for a lifetime.

“This critical Sport England investment will allow us to continue using sport and physical activity to help create stronger, more resilient communities in these 50 areas and beyond.”