Teen Team Tops Beat the Street Leaderboard Before Heading to University

Engaging teenage boys in community-wide activities can often be a challenge but Beat the Street Burnley continues to prove that the right mix of fun, competition, and exploration can spark real enthusiasm, even among the toughest age groups to reach. 

One standout story from this year comes from one of our community teams, Crystal B Ind, which was formed by a group of four teenage boys who have been playing together since Beat the Street first arrived in Burnley back in 2021. What began with a younger sister bringing home the information from school quickly turned into a tradition for the team, who have played every year since. This year, with university on the horizon, they set themselves one final goal: win the small teams leaderboard and they did just that. 

“It felt like the perfect way to wrap up our time as a team,” they shared. “We’ve been playing since the beginning, and we really wanted to win together before we all go our separate ways.” 

At first, it looked like their final year might not go to plan. With A-level exams taking up most of their time, the team barely participated in the early weeks of the game. But as the double points week kicked off, everything changed. 

“We managed to score 2,000 points each in one trip out playing and that totally flipped a switch for us. Suddenly, winning felt possible, and we went all in!” 

Their commitment paid off. Not only did they climb the leaderboard, but they also discovered new places around Burnley including Scott Park and parts of the canal towpath they’d never explored before. Along the way, they had moments of connection that reminded them what Beat the Street is really all about. 

“During our 2,000-point marathon, a group of young kids saw what we were doing and started cheering us on, they even joined in for a while. Their energy was infectious. It made the whole push feel even more rewarding.” 

For the team, Beat the Street wasn’t just a game. It was a final shared experience before life takes them in different directions. 

“After being buried in exams, Beat the Street gave us a reason to come together, laugh, and explore. It was the perfect way to reconnect before we all leave.” 

When asked if they’d recommend it to others, the answer was an enthusiastic yes: 

“100%. Even if you start late like we did, you can still have a blast and make amazing memories. Don’t underestimate the power of a double points week!” 

Their story is a powerful reminder that Beat the Street is more than just points and leaderboards. It’s about building friendships, rediscovering your local area, and creating memories that last long after the game ends.