There has been a huge jump in youngsters taking part in a community sports programme, organisers revealed today.
The Jumpers For Goalposts scheme has been taking a wide range of free sport activities into local parks and play areas in Ipswich for the past 11 years. It is run by Catch 22 Suffolk Positive Futures in association with Ipswich Borough Council.
This summer holiday saw 670 children take part – a whopping 56% rise on last year – and Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Culture & Leisure portfolio-holder, said she was delighted with the upsurge in popularity. “Jumpers for Goalposts is designed to remove barriers to participation and give all youngsters an opportunity to take part in sport – in their communities and without charge. This is part of our bid to make Ipswich a healthier place to grow up and live in.”
One youngster who won’t forget this experience this summer is 10 year-old Harvey Ottley-Gooch, who attended the most sessions (18) in different locations. His dedication won him a year’s Junior iCard, which gives him free access to the Council’s sports and swimming centres.
Mum Lizzie said: “This project was a life-saver for us and it was so great for Harvey; having something regular and well structured is the only way that he will engage with exercise. The coaches were wonderful with him and very committed and all the children looked like they were having fun. I literally couldn’t keep Harvey away!”
Paul Knight, Project Officer for Suffolk Positive Futures, said: “The sessions were really well attended this year and we saw a mix of girls and boys which was really great. We offered more sports this year such as football, street golf, cricket and tennis.”
Jumpers for Goalposts, which is supported financially by the Borough Council’s Area Committees, will be running during October half-term holiday and details of the sessions will be available at www.ipswich.gov.uk/schoolholidays from 12th October.
Photo: Paul Knight presents Harvey with his Junior iCard
