Published on 4th November 2013

cricket player

Young people in the Hesters Way area of Cheltenham can now benefit from a new Doorstep Sports Club, thanks to funding secured by Cheltenham Borough Council through Street Games.

Street Games is a sports charity that brings sport to the doorsteps of young people to change lives and communities across the UK.

The council’s sports development team have worked with Gloucestershire Cricket Board to launch street cricket sessions in the YMCA Sports and Community centre in Hesters Way.

The Doorstep Sport Clubs (DSC's) will aim to change the sporting landscape in hundreds of communities across the UK and give over 100,000 young people the chance to develop a sporting habit for life. The clubs are targeted on the doorstep of communities to encourage local young people to get involved and take up a new sport.

Cheltenham's very first Doorstep Sport Club launched last week with 'Street Cricket'. The session will run every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8pm. It is aimed at young people of aged 13 years plus and is free to attend. Working with many community partners from local clubs, national governing bodies of sport, other local organisations from the Aston Project, YMCA and Hesters Way Neighbourhood Partnership, the club hopes to embed itself within the community. Its aim is to be a sustainable project providing opportunities not only for participation in sport but also for the leadership and development of young people.

Tom Sparks, sports development officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "We are really excited to have launched a Doorstep Sport Club in Hesters Way. Since the sport and community centre has been re-opened by the YMCA, the area has been in need of some sustainable youth provision which we hope this club will be able to offer. We're not only offering fun, vibrant and innovative activities for young people in Hesters Way, in time we are also aiming to offer the chance to complete leadership qualifications, sports coaching courses and first aid certificates that local young people can access to develop their skills and experiences. It's not just about taking part in sessions, we are looking at the bigger picture and want to encourage young people to become volunteers and newly qualified coaches and leaders in sport. It's very much down to the young people involved to shape the future of the club and what sports they would like to see on offer. It's a really exciting time for the area."

Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, added: “This is fantastic for young people in Hesters Way. Being in the heart of the community it really gives them the opportunity to take part in sport. It’s great to see partner organisations working together to deliver this for the young people in the area.

To find out more and get involved in the Hesters Way Doorstep Club, contact Tom Sparks, sports development officer on 01242 264324 or email Tom.

For press enquiries contact: Laura Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Photo opportunity: Photographers are welcome to attend the Club which takes place every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at the YMCA Sports and Community centre in Hesters Way.

Notes:
Find out more about Doorstep Sports Clubs, visit the Street Games website.