Funding secured for exciting youth sports project in Dunstable
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
We are delighted to announce that £12,415 of funding has been secured from Sport England for an exciting new Youth Leisure Project in Dunstable.
This initiative will provide vital sports and fitness opportunities for young people aged 11-18 (up to 25 for SEND) across Dunstable.
In collaboration with Dunstable Town Council, Bedfordshire Police, Be Active and other key council services, including Community Safety, the initiative promises to make a lasting impact. The project will primarily operate from The Dunstable Centre with a variety of sports and fitness activities tailored to the interests and needs of the participants.
A unique aspect of this project is a young persons’ forum, ensuring that the activities offered are driven by the very individuals they are designed to benefit. The Council’s leisure management contractor Everyone Active has also pledged to support the project by providing instructors and free-swimming opportunities for regular attendees.
Running for 50-weeks, the project aims to foster community involvement and tackle social inequalities and reduce anti-social behaviour. It will actively collaborate with community groups and stakeholders to ensure a diverse range of activities that cater to varied interests.
Councillor Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Leisure Services, welcomed the announcement, stating:
This funding is a fantastic boost for young people in Dunstable. By providing accessible and engaging activities, we are not only promoting active lifestyles but also creating a safe and supportive environment for young people to thrive. This initiative will play a key role in tackling social inequalities and reducing anti-social behaviour, and I look forward to seeing its positive impact on the community.
Councillor Liz Jones, Chair of Community Services for Dunstable Town Council, said:
Dunstable Town Council is pleased to partner on this project, which sits well with our ongoing initiatives to enhance opportunities for young people in Dunstable East. This project will provide additional avenues for young people within the town to engage in a diverse range of activities. The Town Council is able to support this project through offering youth workers to work alongside the coaches and centre staff thanks to the Million Hours Funding.