Local charity’s ‘Give it a Go’ sports day is go, go, go!! Barker-Mill Foundation donation aids TSP project aimed at getting local people exercising

The Testland Support Project (TSP), a Southampton-based charity founded by local young people, has received a donation of £2,500 from the Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) which will help towards the charities’ ‘Give It A Go’ sports day on Saturday 19th May at Testlands Hub, Green Lane.

The ‘Give It A Go Day’ will feature a range of free sports and leisure activities which local people may not have had the opportunity to try, under the supervision of qualified coaches. The Royal Wedding will also be shown on a big screen and a bouncy castle to keep younger participants entertained will also be provided.

The event will run from 10am – 4pm and will include a climbing wall, BMXing and boogie bounce and will work in partnership with local sports and leisure club groups to promote on-going participation in their sport/ activity and provide membership options to the community.

Luke Newman, founder and chair of TSP Trustees adds: “We’re really excited to be able to host this event for our local communities, there will be over twenty different sports to try! Thank you to the BMF for their kind contribution which has enabled us to source the qualified instructors we needed to include different sports and fun for the community.

“We’re hoping that this event with introduce and signpost people to local clubs and groups associated with these activities to encourage continuing participation in healthy and social activities.”

Established in 2011 by local young people who wished to support and ‘give back’ to the local communities in which they grew up, the charity provides ongoing support to local people living in areas of recognised deprivation in Southampton.

The team is dedicated to making a difference; working locally to improve the opportunities and wellbeing of young people and the local communities of Redbridge, Millbrook, Maybush, Lordshill and Coxford. They provide a range of learning and leisure opportunities through a range of courses, activities and events that promote education and improve the physical, health and social welfare of individuals with the objective of improving their wellbeing, quality of life and prospects.

Tim Jobling, BMF Trustee, added: “Health and well-being activities are so important for keeping young children happy and healthy. Nowadays, young people seem to have less knowledge, options and access to local sports facilities or groups. We’re really happy to have been able to support the TSP in their activity day and I’m sure it’s going to be extremely successful and enjoyed by the community.”

For more information about the Testlands Support Project or the event, please visit: www.testlandssp.org