Dame Kelly Holmes has launched a new scheme in east London to tackle inactivity, ill health and boredom in young people in the area, and it’s being run from a refurbished shipping container full of sports equipment.

The container, sited in the heart of Canning Town, will be staffed by youth workers who will organize sessions for young people covering traditional as well as more dynamic and creative sporting activities.

The project, called HEARTS, has been developed by East London Business Alliance (ELBA), London Youth and the London Borough of Newham.

Zuhayb Ahmed, Mayor of Newham, said: “"The HEARTS project is an excellent way to engage with young people in the Canning Town and Custom House regeneration area and provides improved access to sports activities.

“Since we introduced a community sports coach into the area, he has been instrumental in encouraging young people to become active. As they are getting the taste for sports and fitness activities, youngsters are now telling us they want to see more taking place. This project and the new sports container will hopefully go some way in meeting their needs."

As well as equipment for sports such as football, netball, basketball and cricket, children will also be able to access skipping ropes and exercise mats, stilts and juggling balls as well as games such as giant Jenga and Connect 4.

Hearts staff will operate sessions from 5.30-9.00pm throughout the week and during the daytime on Saturdays and Sundays.

Canning town is in the top 5 per cent most deprived areas in the UK, with local people suffering from poor health, low education and poverty.

Speaking at the launch of HEARTS, Dame Kelly said: “We need to engage young people, particularly those in deprived areas to avoid them becoming a future statistic.

“Sport and physical activity have an amazing and positive impact on young people and this project will bring sporting activity and fun to the youth of Canning Town which can only be a good thing.”

	Connect with Leisure Management Magazine: View issue contents Sign up: Instant Alerts/zines Print edition