Sports hub has 'dramatic effect' on young people

A new community and sports hub in one of England's most health-deprived areas is having a "dramatic effect" on the lives of young people, according to youth workers.

Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead, Gloucester, includes a fitness gym, studio spaces for dance, yoga and Pilates classes, a sports pitch, and a social space for community activities.

A youth team offering support has also moved in and will host an open day and celebration later.

"We wouldn't have been able to do any of this in the previous locations where we were, it just wasn't feasible in the hall we hired," said head of youth provision Debbie Etheridge.

Podsmead is within one of the most health-deprived areas nationally for people aged 16 to 64, according to the latest government data, which is from 2019.

The Blackbridge Youth Work Team is offering regular youth activities and has a packed programme of summer holiday events.

"We're going to have a new session called Fit Fridays, so they'll be learning about healthy options, healthy foods, healthy lifestyles, which we do anyway for the over-14s," Ms Etheridge said.

Lilly-Anne, 16, is one of the teenagers enjoying the larger premises.

"When we were back in the old youth club, we weren't able to do things like cooking," she explained. "We just had a TV, but this is a massive place."

Bentley, 14, enjoys meeting friends at the hub.

"There are quite a few more things to do now we've got a bigger space," he said. "We've got a pool table now, table tennis, and I enjoy the baking."

Ms Etheridge said the centre has had a "dramatic effect" on young people, but was also a great resource for all ages.

She said: "We're offering employment skills and training, and creating resident-led opportunities that empower people to shape what happens here."

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