The summer holidays are almost here and there are plenty of exciting opportunities available to get outside, get active and, most importantly, have fun in Barnsley.
Our Sport and Physical Activity team and Reds in the Community will be spending the next six weeks taking RampUP sessions and the Summer Sports Van around the borough.
RampUP, which was officially launched at Barnsley's Big Weekend, offers informal and relaxed sessions for young people to be active and enjoy cycling and scooting for fun.
The RampUP Zone is fully equipped with a range of multi-purpose, portable street ramps for all abilities from beginner to expert. Participants are welcome to bring their own bike or scooter, but free hire of BMX bikes and scooters is available so everyone can join in. Helmets are also provided and must be worn by riders at all times.
A signed consent form, which can be completed at the RampUP session or via a QR code found on posters and our website, is needed to take part and covers all sessions. Children under eight are required to have a parent or carer present during the session.
The Summer Sports Van, meanwhile, will take a variety of sports, including athletics, tennis, cricket, football, rounders and more, across our parks and greenspaces
Sessions will be delivered by qualified members of the Reds in the Community delivery team, who want to engage with young people aged 8-16 and give them the chance to keep active and connect with their local community while trying out new sports.
All of the activities are free, informal and relaxed. Equipment is provided for most sessions and there's no need to sign up beforehand - just come along and join in the fun!
Councillor James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: "Staying active is incredibly beneficial for your physical and mental wellbeing, so we're thrilled to offer a free programme of activities for our children and young people this summer
"We've had great feedback about RampUP from the launch at Barnsley's Big Weekend and the visits to schools so we're looking forward to taking it around our communities and getting our children onto bikes and scooters.
"The Summer Sports Van is a great way to try new activities and get inspired, so please check the timetable and see when it’s coming to your local park or green space. I'd like to thank Reds in the Community for their support with the summer activities programme through the Summer Sports Van."
Kieron Campbell, Head of Foundation at Reds in the Community, added: "We're excited at the return of the Summer Sports Van. We saw a fantastic level of engagement last year and are hoping to go even bigger this year.
"The programme gives us the opportunity to engage with children of all abilities and deliver high-quality multi-sport activities throughout the Barnsley area, giving them a chance to be active and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment."
