Lucozade Ribena Suntory and Active Communities Network have partnered together to launch a new initiative to help improve the physical activity, lifestyles and prospects of young people in the borough, writes Simon Throssell…
At the programme’s introductory session held last Monday, June 11, Southwark MP Neil Coyle enthused: “I’m really pleased B Active have chosen to launch their programme in Southwark.
“Engaging in sport is a great way for our young people to succeed and I hope it won’t be long before we see the positive impact the programme will have in the wider community.”
The sessions will run five days a week for 50 weeks of the year at sports facilities across Southwark.
Each practice will be focused around a different sport such as football, basketball, boxing or tennis.
The aim of each one to two hour session is to drive grass-roots participation in sport as well as actively encouraging the young people to lead informal discussions on key health related issues such as diet, fitness and mental wellbeing.
From this experience, they can earn nationally recognised accreditation for their efforts and further develop qualifications in enterprise, diversity and inclusion and developing community activities for youth at risk, to name a few.
Michael Kuku, who is a regular at the training sessions, said: “This community group means a lot to me and my friends.
“Keeping fit is great but this is about so much more than that; it’s about meeting new people, staying healthy, having fun and keeping out of trouble.”
Another participant commented after the launch event: “I’m really loving these training sessions, it’s a great way to get the community together and to stay active too!”
For more information visit the Active Communities website www.activecommunities.org.uk or contact John White (London Coordinator) at john@activecommunities.org.uk