A programme offering local young people free weekly sports and physical activity sessions, holiday schemes and specially designed sessions catering for young people with additional needs, has been officially launched by YMCA St Helens and partners.
Y Sports Programme, a three year scheme comprising of a minimum of 20 free sessions and expected to engage over 50,000 young people aged 10 to 18, was made official at a special event last week at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
Each week, participants will enjoy a wide variety of sports, from martial arts to athletics, family fit sessions and football and of course some rugby!
Up to 45 young people will be given the chance to gain an accredited qualification to deliver sports, physical activities, and first aid, with the aim of developing a volunteer workforce that will be of benefit to the local community and ensure the sustainability of the programme. As the programme develops, there will be six
apprenticeship opportunities in years two and three. In addition, the scheme also offers participants an opportunity to access projects and sessions organised by delivery partner, Saints Community Foundation.
The launch event provided an opportunity for stakeholders from across St Helens to hear about the development of Y Sports, while also giving young people the chance to meet the first team squad and get a taste of the range of free sports available, including rugby and wheelchair rugby, dance, and trampolining.
Justin Hill, Chief Executive at YMCA St Helens, said:
“As Y Sports goes from strength to strength, we will see more young people engaging in sports and physical
activity, with all the benefits this brings – from improved health to better education
and life chances.”
The Y Sports Programme is funded through the Youth Investment Fund by the Big Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
