Central Barrow schools and local sports clubs are working together to increase participation from local primary school children. Barrow AFC fans have helped kick-start the process through the Bluebirds’ Trust’s ‘Russ’ Raffle’.
Money raised firstly in the summer through a sponsored bus ride now has been ‘topped up’ by over £500 from Russ’ Christmas Raffle run at the Tranmere game on the 29th December.
The project called ‘Step up and Play’; supports school transport and escorts taking children to and from local sports clubs.
Steve Herbert, local Head, Trust Chair and organiser of the initiative said, “We all want to make sure that our pupils aged 4-11 in Central get as many chances as everyone else to join a local sports club if they wish, which can be difficult sometimes for families. We do this by helping children attend training, practising and competitions.”
“We strongly believe sport offers a great long-term pathway to physical and mental health. It also aids decision-making and ability to understand instructions, offering a sense of belonging and pride in themselves as a member of the local club. “
Parents who took part in a recent survey agreed. “Skyla has come on so much with her football but also her confidence,” said one parent. A Year Six child said, “ It has been an amazing club. I loved canoeing and I like the water now. “
100% of parents in the survey believed SuaP was making a positive difference (77% strongly) and 93% say it made their child fitter.
“The dream is to have every Central Barrow child, whatever their background, to have access and choice to local clubs, long term,” said Sacred Heart Headteacher Simone Beech. That will bring lasting, significant change in the area for health and well-being. Children will meet new friends locally and enjoy more active free time.”
The project has, so far been funded partly with support of Barrow AFC fans through the Bluebirds Trust and individual donations from Parent and Teacher organisations. They are also looking for suitably vetted volunteers to escort children and drivers with a D1 license paid to drive a minibus. Members can contact Steve with any offers of help; on headteacher@stgeorges.cumbria.sch.uk