A DOORSTEP sport project aimed at getting more young people, more active, more often, in their own communities is thriving in Barry.

The project, delivered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sports development team and Barry Communities First, provides activity “on the doorstep” for young people. The scheme aims to give those who are not members of sports clubs but who want to play sport the chance to do so.

StreetGames Legacy Fieldwork Manager, Matthew Pritchard, commented: “We have had a fantastic response from youngsters in the area to being given the chance to engage with sport.

"For some of them it is the first time they have been given the opportunity to try something new and whilst the benefits to people of improving their fitness and having a healthy lifestyle are obvious, what is also crucial is the ability sport has to give people confidence and to bring them out of their shell.

"They get to work in teams, possibly for the first time, and it gives them a whole set of new life skills.

“We are delighted with the success we have had in Barry and look forward to reaching out to even more youngsters in the future.”

The initiative, which is supported by a number of other organisations including Vale Volunteer Bureau, Elim Elevate, World at Play and Newydd Housing, offers opportunities to participate in organised sport three nights a week.

On Monday multisport activities are offered at Holm View Leisure Centre, from 5pm to 6pm, while golf and multi-sports can be played at Cadoxton Sports Hall from 6pm–7pm;

Young people can access futsal coaching every Thursday at Barry Leisure Centre, from 4pm to 5pm. Multi-sport sessions, led by World at Play, are held on the same night at Basset Park.

On Fridays multi-sport is on offer at Alexander Gardens from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and the original doorstep initiative, Friday night football, continues at Holm View thanks to police community support officers and local volunteers (3.45pm to 4.45pm for ages 10 years upwards).

All sessions are led by qualified leaders with assistance from volunteers who have been recruited and trained through the StreetGames training academy.

Speaking about the success of the scheme Councillor Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “All young people should have the chance to play sport.

"These fantastic sessions provide a welcoming environment for young people to take part in sport in their local area completely free of charge. It is no surprise that they have been such a success.”

Anyone requiring further information can contact Rachel Shepherd in the Vale of Glamorgan Council sports development team on on 07730 749485 or visit www.barrystreetgames.org