DMSF was set up by Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Diane Modahl MBE. Diane retired from competition in 2002 but she has remained heavily involved in sport and, inspired by her early experiences as a young person from a deprived community, she went on to establish the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) alongside her husband, Olympic coach Vicente Modahl to help those most in need.

DMSF recognise there are deep-rooted social problems facing young people today. Manchester is among the worst performing Authorities for educational attainment, with 83% of other UK Authorities performing better across the English and Maths curriculum. 2014 data ranks Manchester as the 11th worst performing Authority for those aged 16 who are Not in Education Employment or Training.

The Foundation works with young people from disadvantaged areas across the North West helping them benefit from everything sport can offer; enabling them to make the most of themselves in sport, education and employability. We and our partners have a strong track record of providing pathways into employment and diversionary programmes, that deliver long lasting outcomes for the hardest to reach young people across Manchester.