A new programme aimed at improving health and fitness for children and young people has been launched in Lynemouth, Northumberland.
The ‘Lynemouth Street Games’ project will be delivered weekly over the next 12 months and is hoping to engage as many young people as possible from the area to promote a fitter and healthier lifestyle.
Leading housing provider Karbon Homes has donated £7,500 from its community investment fund to help kickstart the project.
The organised activities are delivered by PFC Professional Football Coaching and will be held every Wednesday between 5pm-6pm at Lynemouth Welfare. Those participating in the programme will have a say in what activities they would like to get involved with and will include playing and coaching opportunities, fitness sessions and guidance on healthy eating.
In addition to the weekly sessions, there will also be fun days which will be open to the whole community and holiday sport camps held during the school holidays. This will include an array of different sports for all ages to participate in.
This is the third time Karbon Homes and PFC have worked together to deliver sport and physical activities to young people living in Lynemouth. The Police have also supported the project and in previous years, have reported a significant reduction in incidents of youth ASB when these activities are being delivered.
One of the aims of the programme is to encourage young people to participate, and be more active in an effort to reduce crime and youth-related anti-social behaviour. Those involved in the project will also learn essential life skills such as communication, teamwork and understanding the importance of healthy eating.
Lindsey Porter, Community Involvement Officer at Karbon Homes, said: “Karbon takes an active role in shaping the communities and places where our homes are located. Through our continued partnership with PFC Professional Football Coaching, we are creating an active environment for young people living in Lynemouth that promotes health, happiness and wellbeing.
“Feedback from those who have participated in these programmes in the past have been really positive and I hope this latest project will be just as successful. Getting out and being active is far better than just sitting at home playing on computers and game consoles. The Lynemouth Street Games project is free for all young people living in the area and I hope that some of our Karbon tenants will also participate.”
Fully qualified UEFA B Coach and owner of PFC Professional Football Coaching, Doug Thoburn, said: “We have been delivering daily sports coaching to local schools and communities in the UK and across Europe for the last eleven years. We encourage young people of any ability to participate and enjoy sports in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
“We have already ran successful projects here in Lynemouth in partnership with Karbon Homes where we have engaged at least 20 young people on a weekly basis. These projects not only keep the young people of Lynemouth off the streets for one night a week but it gives them a chance to socialise and interact with other members of the community. Most of the participants’ report an increase in confidence, one of them also went on to paid employment while five of them completed either a coaching or referee course which will improve their chances of working in this field.”
Hilary Sim from Northumbria Police, said: “I think it’s a great project run by Karbon Homes, to help reduce crime and youth related anti-social behaviour in Lynemouth. Investment in groups like this, gives local residents pride in their community and inspires achievement in sport.
“Northumbria Police have had a reduction in anti-social behaviour in Lynemouth, which is positive for the community, in these hard times of austerity. It enables us to focus our efforts in other areas, which are much needed during our peak times of an evening. Sport is a fantastic way to promote a healthy lifestyle, and there are so many benefits coming from this project, I only hope it continues for years to come.”
Places are still available to participate in this latest programme. To join or for more information, please pop along to Lynemouth Welfare every Wednesday. Sessions start at 5pm.