OnSide wins sports grant for Wolverhampton youth zone

The grant from Sport England, part of a £7.1m National Lottery investment, will fund facilities at OnSide's The Way, including an all-weather outdoor pitch, a four-court indoor sports hall, a gym and a dance studio.

The youth zone, which is due to open in early 2016, will provide a range of activities for eight- to 19-year-olds, and young people under 25 with disabilities.

Described as “a unique four-way partnership” between the private sector, local authorities, young people and communities, youth zones offer modern facilities where young people can learn new skills, make new friends and seek advice from youth workers.

Steve Morgan, chair of Wolverhampton Youth Zone, a charity launched to support the creation of the youth club, said the extra funding will mean that more young people will be able to access sport.

He said: “This will be particularly important in helping us attract young people across all communities in Wolverhampton.

“By breaking down barriers that prevent participation, our hope is that we can inspire young people to try activities they would not have had the opportunity to try before.”

Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide, added: “Sport has many significant and long-term positive benefits for young people, helping them develop confidence and the personal, emotional and social skills needed to cope throughout life.

“The support of Sport England will be vital to enhancing the youth zone’s offer so that we can engage more young people from across the city.”

OnSide currently manages six youth zones – in Blackburn, Bolton, Carlisle, Manchester, Oldham and Wigan – and plans to open a further 15, including three in London, by 2020.

The organisation recently announced that its first youth club in London will be located in South Bermondsey.