Sport England have advised that the following initiatives have received funding to encourage children to adopt more active lifestyles in (a) Test Valley and (b) Southampton in the last 12 months.
(i) Sport Unlimited
Sport Unlimited is an integral part of the Government’s PE and Sport Strategy for Young People. The overall aim of Sport Unlimited is to increase opportunities for children and young people aged five to 19 to participate regularly in sport.
It will do this by providing a range of attractive and sustainable opportunities in sporting activities for young people to take part in out of school hours during term time and will focus on out of school hours and club activities both within school and community settings.
In Southampton, approximately £36,428 is allocated this financial year to deliver projects across the city. In addition, approximately £12,400 has been allocated to the Test Valley. Both areas will also benefit from the Leadership and Volunteering award. Sport England allocated £22,000 to the County Sports Partnership.
(ii) Awards for All
Awards for All allocated £9,300 to set up a rugby club for young people and adults with learning difficulties. Funding was for kit and equipment with the aim of providing opportunities for members to participate in training and competitive tag rugby matches in a safe and fun environment.
(iii) Other Sport England funding
Southampton Amateur Gym Club was awarded £8,414 from the Community Club Development Programme and Eastleigh Football in the Community was awarded £10,500 Sportsmatch funding.
(iv) Free Swimming
Southampton unitary authority has opted in to the under 16 and over 60 Free Swimming Programme and has received £173,211. The local authorities that have opted to offer the scheme to both age groups have also received a share of a £10 million capital fund to spend on modernising or improving pool provision. Southampton has received £69,290 in this regard.