Sport In Your Community
How many times have you said or heard someone say ‘it’s because there’s nothing for young people to do’? Well carry on reading because there’s plenty on offer when you know where to look!
Wigan Sports Development Team’s ‘Get Active in Your Community’ Programme provides a diverse range of sporting opportunities such as basketball, Street Dance, football, cheerleading and much more for young people aged 8 upwards to participate in on a weekly basis. Everyone of all abilities are welcome, although there are specific sessions for persons with a disability if you prefer.
‘Get Active in Your Community’ is supported by StreetGames – a national charity dedicated to developing sport in disadvantaged communities. It is funded by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust and its external partners.
The programme currently consists of over 20 weekly sessions and in 2008 attracted over 22,000 participants. The climax to each years activities is the chance for young people to take part in and has been successful in providing additional sporting opportunities. The Midnight Football Leagues provide regular opportunities for young people to take part in a competitive football league between January and March annually and the climax to each years activities is the chance for young people to take part in the North West StreetGames Festival at SportCity, Manchester in August.
Commonwealth Boxing Champion Courtney Fry shares his experiences with the participants at the Midnight Football Leagues 2011
The Community programme has attracted some special guests with Commonwealth Gold medal boxer Courtney Fry coming along to support and mentor the young people in 2011. Courtney’s visits were part of a Sporting Champions mentoring programme set up by Sport England to use world class athletes to inspire young people about sport. Speaking after a visit to the Midnight Football Leagues in 2011 Courtney said: “I have been doing sports mentoring since I qualified for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. For me it is about giving something back and helping other young people to be passionate about sport. I have found the young people in Wigan and Leigh are extremely friendly, fit and love their sports. These young people are so chilled out and welcoming. They are really good kids here in Wigan Borough and there is a lot of talent that should be harnessed.”
In 2008, Olympic Athlete, Diane Modahl; and local MP, Andy Burnham visited Hindley Leisure Centre to take part in football and dance activities. The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, speaking after attending the session said: “It is vital that we provide our young people with as many opportunities to take part in activities that have great short and long term physical and social benefits. The StreetGames sessions are an exciting concept and I’m glad to see it really coming to fruition and having such an impact.” If you would like further information on how to get involved please click on the relevant link below:-
Get Active in Your Community – updated January 2013
Wigan Sports Development are now on Facebook and Twitter.
Have your say on community activities in your area.
Twitter: @Wigan_SDU
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wigansportsdevelopment
Alternatively, to find a session near you or to set something up for the young people in your community please contact the Sports Development Team on 01942 404982.
