An inspirational street dancer from Wythenshawe has been chosen as one of six young people from a nationwide shortlist as the face of a new campaign to celebrate Coca-Cola Great Britain’s partnership with StreetGames, the charity that provides access to doorstep sport for young people in disadvantaged communities around the UK.

Joe Maguire, 18 years old, a street dancer at the Wythenshawe Forum Project, was chosen for the campaign because of his outstanding commitment and contribution he has made in his neighbourhood. After being introduced to StreetGames by youth workers two years ago, Joe credits the project with helping him progress in academic subjects as well as sport and hopes to attend university next year to study medicine.

He now takes centre stage on a giant billboard donated by Coca-Cola GB, more usually reserved for images of their roster of elite athletes.

StreetGames delivers sporting opportunities directly to the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, giving young people a chance to play, compete and be coached on their own doorstep. Beyond the enjoyment and health benefits of taking part in sport, it offers participants the chance to gain qualifications and valuable life skills in a context in which they can feel at ease, benefiting both the individuals and the communities they live in.

Joe’s billboard is one of a series of six which will also be shown in five other UK cities: Birmingham, Newcastle, London, Bristol and Cardiff and will coincide with a series of StreetGames sports festivals running around the UK this summer.

Joe said: “Being involved in StreetGames has given me lots and lots of confidence, which has not only helped me to progress in my dancing, but also in academic subjects. It’s made me much more confident in public speaking too.”