Young people in Aberdeen will soon be able to take part in free doorstep physical activity sessions thanks to a new student-led partnership in the city.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust’s Streetsport programme and North East Scotland College (NESCol) have launched a new initiative called “Street Gym” which will run free sessions to get young people more active.
Streetsport, which is delivered in partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU), actively reduces instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour, and aims to break down more barriers for young people in Aberdeen.
Recent reports have highlighted a growing trend of obesity in young people and 24% of Primary 1s in the city are now considered obese.
In order to help combat this Streetsport and NESCol has introduced Street Gym which involves using chalk to set out exercise ideas and stations. Sessions involve free bodyweight and circuit classes in safe outdoor environments across the city.
Street Gym will be led by Streetsport volunteers and students from North East of Scotland College who are currently studying towards an HNC or HND in Health and Exercise and training to qualify as Gym Instructors or Personal trainers.
The first session will be on Monday, December 7 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Catherine Street in the city centre. If the programme proves successful, Street Gym will be rolled out across the city into the areas of Aberdeen that need it the most.
The students will design fun and creative ways to make physical activity interesting and motivational in the hope participants will return each week for some more activity in a fun and safe environment.
Mark Williams, Streetsport Development Officer, said: “The two biggest barriers to young people taking part in physical activity is cost and travel, we believe in breaking those barriers and will be providing Street Gym free of charge and on the doorstep to all 8 to 16 year olds interested in participating.
“Street Gym is a fantastic initiative which we hope the young people will enjoy as they work their way through the various activities the students have planned for them.
“As well as helping young people to be more active the project also strengthens links between RGU and North East Scotland College as the students work together to plan the programme and make the sessions enjoyable for all.”
Lawrence McLelland, Work Placement Assessor/Co-ordinator at North East Scotland College, said: “Streetsport has a proven record of engaging the youth community and reducing anti-social behaviour.
“NESCol is looking forward to playing its part in this initiative, which will only continue to grow, and we hope this will have a beneficial effect on the wider community. Mark’s innovative thinking for this project will give our students the chance for some hands-on experience which will boost their employability skills.”
By using chalk for the project the sessions can be made to look attractive and appealing to young people and then be washed away in the rain leaving no lasting impression and a blank canvas again for the following week.
Locations for Street Gym are intelligence led and coordinated around current Streetsport sessions in order to provide additional diversionary opportunities for young people who want to get active and keep fit.