SSCN works in partnership with hundreds of locals sports groups to equip them with everything they need to run successfully for years after the 2012 Games while everyone from pensioners to teenagers and expectant mums can benefit.

Johnson said: "This amazing initiative will provide Londoners with the long legacy they truly deserve.

"There are thousands of excellent sports groups in the capital that struggle with a myriad of problems and sadly many of them will face closure if they don't get help.

"SSCN will provide the essential support needed to boost these schemes, keeping them in business and securing a long and fruitful future.

"I want everyone interested in supporting sport to sign up to the SSCN and help strengthen our sporting future.

"Let's keep the memory of the greatest event on earth alive in the capital for as long as possible with a plethora of brilliant sports activity."

The SSCN is delivered in partnership with the Mayor of London, Nike, Active Communities Network, and the Community Action Zone.

It is funded in partnership with Nike as part of the Mayor's £15.5 million ($25.6 million) sports legacy scheme.

Marc van Pappelendam, general manager of Nike's UK and Ireland territory, added: "Nike believes in the power of sport to inspire change and make a difference in young people's lives.

"Investing in community programs that create social change is a powerful way to help build life skills, develop social cohesion and assist youth to fully participate in the social and economic opportunities in their communities.

"In collaboration with other organisations, we've created 'Sport for Social Change Networks' in global communities that make a real impact locally as well as building wider networks to advocate for access to sport."

After a successful pilot in Lambeth the SSCN scheme is now running across six Boroughs - Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Lambeth, Southwark and Sutton - and also works on cross Borough partnerships.

The aim is to have one in every Borough within the next few years while the programme aims to help over 800 vulnerable young people in the next two years and also empower volunteers who run sport groups with local youngsters.

Brian Dickens of SSCN London said: "I've been involved in sport in London for over 30 years and I know better than most the huge benefits that sport can bring to someone's life.

"I am also in daily contact with all those people and groups out there doing amazing work to create sporting opportunities for Londoners.

"SSCN London gives us an opportunity to help – to bring these people and organisations together; to share knowledge and expertise; to generate more funding and to ensure that his funding is used as efficiently and as effectively as possible."

The SSCN also in operates in Brazil, South Africa and East Africa.

In London, it aims to coordinate efforts in community sport to accelerate the growth, quality and sustainability of the sport for social change movement.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]