Sports boost given to youngsters

More than 1,000 young people in Surrey are to be offered sports sessions as part of a major programme launched by the Active Surrey Sports Partnership.

The three-year Sport Unlimited scheme is part of a £36m national programme funded by Sport England.

On offer will be traditional and non-traditional sports ranging from athletics to sailing.

Activities are taking place across all the 11 boroughs and districts of Surrey, covering 15 different sports.

Taster sessions

The sports included are athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, canoeing, fitness, football for girls, gymnastics, martial arts, movement and dance, multi-sports activities, rowing, rugby, sailing and squash.

Youngsters will benefit from 10-week, high-quality taster sessions in sports that they have requested, with the intention that at least a third of participants will join clubs and continue with the sport.

Paul Ainslie, Sport Unlimited grant manager for the Active Surrey Sports Partnership, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for more young people to become more active and enjoy and appreciate the benefits of sport.

"We have had a great response from clubs and coaches within Surrey, who want to give young people the opportunity to get involved and perhaps try activities that they haven't tried before."