Sportivate has been launched to give thousands of 14-25 year-olds the chance to receive six to eight weeks of coaching in a sport of their choice. Launched by Sport England, the £32 million National Lottery-funded project will help those who aren’t currently playing sport to get involved in their own time.
There are 300,000 places for young people (including students) to complete sports courses over the next four years.
Sport England’s Chief Executive, Jennie Price, said: “Lots of young people think sport isn’t for them. I would like them to have the chance to discover whether there is a sport they really enjoy, so this programme is all about choice. Everyone who takes part will receive high quality coaching – giving them the confidence and skills which will make them want to keep playing in the future.”
Sportivate will be delivered by the network of 49 county sports partnerships who will work with local providers including colleges and universities to deliver the programme. Sessions available include Street Cheer at Ealing Hammersmith & West London College, Wheelchair Rounders at Lincoln University, Zumba at Northumbria University and Boxer-Fit at East Durham College.
As an additional incentive, teenagers and young adults who stick with sport will have the chance to enter a ballot for free London 2012 tickets. Sport England has hundreds of Olympic and Paralympic tickets available for Sportivate participants via the London 2012 Ticketshare initiative.
For more information and to find out who is delivering sessions in your area the Sport England website