Camden Sport: Lianne Sanderson | fitness initiative | boost | £187,550

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden Sports - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 5 February 2009

England striker Lianne Sanderson (in blue) joins the Islington women’s teams to help kick start the initiative

‘It takes all sports’

England striker kicks off fitness initiative as borough receives £187,550 boost

THIS promises to be the year that Islington gets in shape after former Arsenal Ladies star Lianne Sanderson added her backing to an initiative aimed at helping to make the borough healthier.
The England striker, who now plays for Chelsea, turned up to help kick off the programme at a special seven-a-side women’s football tournament, which was held in Whittington Park, Holloway.
Islington have received £187,550 from Sport England’s Community Investment Fund, which will be used over the next three years by ProActive Islington, a multi-agency partnership tasked with increasing the number of people participating in regular physical activity.
At the launch Sanderson said: “Projects such as this one provide a great opportunity to encourage more women and teenagers into football and allow them to enjoy the health and social benefits that playing a team sport can provide.”
ProActive Islington has planned a number of fun and accessible initiatives to get everyone in the borough up and moving.
Youngsters will be able to try their hand at a range of sports, including basketball, cricket, tennis, and netball.
People will also be able to access dance classes every week through the Elfrida dance project.
The Islington Football Development partnership will also be involved, delivering a series of 10-week training courses aimed at women and girls, men over 45 and obese residents.
Football development manager Michael MacNeill said: “We’re pleased that this funding will enable us to provide healthy activity opportunities to those people that perhaps would not normally consider football as a suitable activity for themselves. We’re excited about this opportunity.”
Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington Council’s executive member for leisure and equalities, added: “ProActive Islington is a great example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together for the benefit of the community. I’m delighted that we’ve secured this funding. “It has allowed us to put together an exciting programme of activities, suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds whatever their levels of fitness.
“I would encourage all residents to take up these fantastic opportunities.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: