Project aims to get Burnley youngsters off the streets and into sport

In a bid to encourage more young people into sport, Burnley Leisure Active Streets project in partnership with Volunteer Burnley has set up an Active Gannow scheme to keep youngsters active and off the streets.

Free football, tennis, dodgeball, cricket and rounders sessions are being held on Thursdays between 7-9pm at the tennis courts on Ighten Rd, where young people from Gannow area are invited to come along and take part.

The project also aims to help youngsters develop new skills and divert them from less rewarding activities.

Waheed Rashid, Burnley Leisure’s Project Development Officer, said: “Programmes such as Active Gannow make a real difference by providing a positive alternative for young people with nothing to do during summer holidays.

“By organising the sessions, we are not just encouraging young people off the streets, we are also giving them a chance to improve their overall health and wellbeing though exercise.”

Youngsters also have an opportunity to pick up experience of working as a volunteer, gain qualifications in first aid and train as community sports leaders.

To top it all off, participants who do well and attend sessions regularly will be invited to a free day out at the Street Games multi-sport festival in Manchester at the end of August.

Megan Kate Riley, representing Volunteer Burnley is a project leader and Street Games best volunteer of year, said: “The project is a great way to build up your confidence, meet new people, gain a wide range of skills and boost your CV. I’d encourage everyone to pop down on a Thursday night and see what the project is all about.”

The Active Gannow scheme in Burnley has been funded through Gannow Big Local and will be running until first week in September.

For more information about the project, please contact Active Gannow team on 01282 425011 ext. 3223 or email wrashid@burnley.gov.uk.

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