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Fitness is the way forward
A project which encouraged young people who were at risk of being excluded from school to channel their energies in a positive way was so successful it has led to similar sessions being run through the summer holidays. Between April and July, a 12-week Open College Network (OCN) Introduction to Outdoor Sports Course was undertaken by 10 teenagers, aged between 13 and 19 years old at risk of exclusion, who were not undertaking regular sports activities. |
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The course offered them a selection of taster sports sessions to encourage them to lead a healthier lifestyle. It also provided an opportunity for the young people to gain accreditation for both the OCN in the Introduction to Sports and the sports section of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Accent Peerless Ltd, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council Youth Development Service worked in partnership to bring the project to fruition.
Following the positive feedback received by youth workers who ran the course, the Borough Council, along with its partners looked to deliver another project for young people during the summer holidays.
Youngsters aged between 12 and 16 have been attending two-hour sessions each Wednesday during August at The Arena Leisure Centre in Camberley. They take part in a variety of fitness sessions including trampolining, squash and football and finish the afternoon with a swim.
Corporate Portfolio Holder Cllr Richard Brooks, who oversees youth issues for the Borough Council, said: "The sports sessions at The Arena not only encourage young people to become healthier but enables them to develop their communication and team-working skills, build on their self-esteem and confidence."
Surrey County Councillor Fred
Chipperfield, who used £1,933 from his locality budget to fund the
original sessions, said: "I was delighted to support the original
course and am very pleased that activities are continuing. Young people
gain a great deal from physical activity and learn life skills including
team work and confidence and really get to challenge themselves."
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Ref: News 317
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