Inside Active Youth Zones: A First Look at Our New Community Sports Programme

With support from Sport England, we’re launching Active Youth Zones in Harlow this September — and today, we’re excited to give you a closer look at what’s coming.

This programme was created for one reason:

Young people deserve safe, joyful, accessible spaces to move.

Too many don’t have that — and we’re here to change it.

Why We Created Active Youth Zones

During community consultations we heard:

“There’s nowhere to go after school.”
“Not everyone can afford sports clubs.”
“I want to be active… but I don’t know where to start.”

We listened.

Active Youth Zones were built in direct response to:

rising inactivity in children
increased screen time
post-pandemic physical decline
worsening youth mental health
a lack of affordable local options

What Makes Active Youth Zones Different?

We’re not running a sports club.
We’re creating an environment where every young person feels:
✔ welcome
✔ included
✔ supported
✔ confident
✔ excited to take part

Whether they love football…
Have never tried dance before…
Want to build fitness…
Or simply want to move and have fun…

There’s something here for them.

What Activities Will Be Included?

A broad mix — because not every young person connects to sport in the same way.

Activities may include:

basketball
netball
cricket
table tennis
multi-skills
dance & movement
athletics
yoga
golf
dodgeball
touch rugby
fitness & agility challenges

Plus:
🎯 SEND-friendly adaptations
🎯 confidence-building games
🎯 leadership opportunities
🎯 social connection

When & Where the Sessions Run

Starting: September 2, 2024
Running until: July 25, 2025
Weekly. Free. Consistent.

📌 Mondays — St Albans Primary (5–6:30pm)
📌 Wednesdays — Passmores Academy (5–6:30pm)

Delivered by qualified, DBS-checked coaches who specialise in:

youth engagement
inclusive sport
physical literacy
building confidence through movement

Who Can Join?

Active Youth Zones are open to:

young people aged 6–18
children with SEND
families facing financial barriers
inactive young people
anyone looking for a positive place to be active

No fees.
No trials.
No judgment.
Just opportunity.

What Outcomes Are We Aiming For?

By the end of the programme, we want young people to:
💥 Feel more confident
💥 Improve physical health
💥 Build friendships & belonging
💥 Reduce stress & anxiety
💥 Develop resilience & leadership
💥 Build lifelong healthy habits

Because activity isn’t just movement — it’s growth.

This Is Just the Beginning

Active Youth Zones are our first major step in transforming access to sport and movement for young people in Harlow — and we’re just getting started.

If you’re excited — trust us, so are we.

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