A new fitness champions scheme to encourage children to use Liverpool City Council’s Lifestyles centres for FREE is being launched.
Almost 50 adults and children from schools and community groups across the city have signed up to become a ‘Futures Lifestyles Champion’ and promote the scheme in schools, children’s centres and community groups.
The aim is to increase the number of young people using the council’s Futures scheme – which offers under 17s access to 12 Lifestyles fitness centres across the city for free or at just £1 per session.
Their role will also be to encourage parents to take up an activity with their child and promote all the activities young people can take up during school holidays
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member responsible for leisure, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We have a great range of Lifestyles fitness centres in the city and many of the activities for under 17s are free or cost just a very small amount to participate in.
“It’s important young people get into healthy habits at an early age as this really does set them up for the rest of their lives. And by encouraging the wider family to get involved, they can support each other in their challenge to become fitter.
“The champions have a hugely important part to play in spreading the message about getting active and keeping fit.
“Our aim is to have a champion in every school across the city – whether it be a teacher or pupil – and be a healthier, more active, city as a result.”
One of the new recruits is Year 6 Broad Square Primary School pupil Kyle Short, who has been nominated by teachers to take up the challenge.
The school’s learning mentor, Cath Wall, said: “Kyle is a really nice young man and will be a great ambassador for promoting fitness in the school.
“It is brilliant to have someone take on this role – once pupils see another child doing something, they get interested and want to follow suit. Kyle will really thrive in the role and we’ll have an exceptionally fit and healthy school as a result!”
Kyle and the rest of the new team will be officially signed up at Liverpool Town Hall at 10am on Tuesday 15 October.
They will receive a champion’s kit including a t-shirt and cap, as well as a stack of membership forms and posters to put around their school or group.
The Futures Lifestyles scheme is aimed at all young people in the city aged 17 and under and offers:
• FREE Access to all Lifestyles Centres
• FREE swimming (all year round)
• FREE Gym membership for a month (£1 thereafter).
• FREE Badminton courts hire (booking on day only)
• FREE Squash courts hire (booking on day only)
• FREE Astro-pitch hire (booking on the day only)
• FREE Wellness Key (as part of 1 month free membership)
All Futures members can access a school holiday activity programme for a nominal charge including football coaching, dance, drama classes, keep fit, yoga, scuba try dive sessions, and lots more.
Last year Liverpool’s Lifestyles Centres had more than 100,000 visits by Futures members and the most popular activity was swimming
For more information visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/lifestyles
