Free youth nights a hit

5.05.17pm GMT Sat 28th Jun 2008

• YOUNG people have been flocking to Richmond Council's Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre to take part in free youth nights.

They are designed to provide a safe, fun and relaxing space for young people aged 11 to 18. There is something on offer for everyone, with activities including trampolining, football, gym activities, dance, make-up artistry, football, karate, boxercise, basketball, cheerleading and table tennis. Council youth workers are also on hand to discuss issues or concerns that young people may have. The youth nights are held every Thursday from 5 to 9 pm as part of a ten-week pilot programme. There is no need for young people to book, they can just turn up. The initiative has been organised by Richmond Council's Youth Support Service, with support from Pro Active South London, Self Esteem Through Sport and the Council Sport and Fitness team.

Cllr Liz Jaeger, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said: "This is the first time we have offered free youth nights in the borough and I am delighted that they have been so well received by young people in the Whitton area. So far, more than 40 young people have attended each week, with the most popular activities being boxercise, gym and football. I encourage all young people in the Whitton area to bring their friends along and take the opportunity to try something new."