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Wolverhampton Youth Zone receives £500,000 Lottery investment to enhance facilities

Wolverhampton Youth Zone is set to help more young people from the city get into sport thanks to £500,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Improvement Fund.

Due to open in early 2016, Wolverhampton Youth Zone is one of 21 projects across England to share in over £7.1 million of National Lottery investment from the third round of funding.

This purpose-built £5.5m city centre facility, to be called The Way, promises an exciting range of activities for young people eight to 19-year-olds, or 25 for disabled people, ranging from sport, fitness and dance to music, arts and media and self-improvement.

Steve Morgan, Chair of Wolverhampton Youth Zone said:

“The investment from Sport England will enable us to reach more young people from the city and get them active in sport. This will be particularly important in helping us attract young people across all communities in Wolverhampton. By breaking down barriers that prevent participation, our hope is that we can inspire young people to try activities they would not have had the opportunity to try before.”

The £500,000 investment from Sport England will be put towards the construction of the Youth Zone, which will incorporate 1 multi-use, 3G outdoor pitch, a four court indoor sports hall, a significant climbing wall, dance studio, martial arts/boxing room and fully equipped gym.

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said:

“We know people have a better experience of sport when they have good facilities in which to play. This is why we’re investing in the Wolverhampton Youth Zone to improve their facilities so they are more appealing young people, and help us to get them developing a lifelong sporting habit.”

Sport England is investing between £150,000 and £500,000 to improve sports facilities so the changing demands of young people are met whilst delivering an improved sporting experience.

Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive of OnSide Youth Zones:

“On average 70% of our active* Youth Zone members from across our Network engage in sport and we expect similar outcomes in Wolverhampton, once The Way opens. Sport has many significant and long-term positive benefits for young people, helping them develop confidence and the personal, emotional and social skills needed to cope throughout life. The support of Sport England will be vital to enhancing the Youth Zone’s offer so that we can engage more young people from across the city.”

Wolverhampton Youth Zone is a charity, established by Wolverhampton City Council, The Morgan Foundation and the charity OnSide Youth Zones.

* ‘Active' members attend Youth Zones between 3-5 times per month