St Helens Council Sports Development team is calling for local sports clubs and local people, to help get up to 4000 people in St Helens more active over the next three years.
The Community Sports Project funded through Sport England will see local clubs and community groups offered the chance to work with trained Sports Activators for Free, to help set-up, run and maintain new sports sessions in local venues, with facility hire, equipment and training costs for volunteers and coaches all covered.
Part of the initiative is to support the hugely successful GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k Run which takes place at Langtree Park on the 8th March.
The activators will support and help deliver new sessions that are fun, social and friendly, from jogging and cycling, to touch rugby, masters football multi-sports and promote the 10k Run to help people get fit and active.
James Thompson, one of three Sports Activators involved in the project said: “There’s something for everyone - whether you’re a complete beginner or have had a break from sport due to age or injuries, there’s a session for you – and if not, we can look to see if we can set one up.
It’s a great way of attracting more people to your club, widening your networks, and engaging with parents or older ex-members.
We see the 10k Run as a perfect event to change people’s lives for the better, a number of our participants have developed their confidence during our Community Sport sessions and are now running the 10k for the first time!”
Sessions are already underway, with a number of local clubs having taken up the offer which includes activities such as women’s fitness, table tennis, and rounders.
St Helens Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Andy Bowden said: “The project aims to make activities sustainable and affordable for everyone and break down any barriers preventing people from taking part in sport.
“By listening to what activities people want to take part in, we can bring communities together through sport.”
“Community Sport is for everyone- no matter what their sporting ability. It’s a great way to get out, try something new, and meet new people. The 10k Run has been a phenomenal success and highlights all the good within our community. ”
Martin Blondel General Manager of The Steve Prescott Foundation organisers of the St Helens 10k Run “It was Steve Prescott wish to get this great town fit and active. We are thrilled to be working alongside the new Sports Activators and look forward to supporting all their initiatives”
For more information about the benefits available for your club or to find out more about the activities on offer, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/communitysport or contact Gemma Webster on: 01744 675403, email: gemmawebster@sthelens.gov.uk