A nationwide sports programme being rolled out in Ipswich will help improve the lives of young people in our town, it was claimed today.

Doorstep Sport Clubs has been established in the town through a partnership between the county council, borough council and Suffolk Positive Futures, with the aim of encouraging young people from disadvantaged areas to take part in sport.

Councillors have come out in support of the programme, which will offer a range of activities including basketball, football, circuits and fitness.

Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council’s culture portfolio-holder, said “Providing activities for young people in the heart of their communities is critical to improving lives around the town.

“Ipswich is delighted Suffolk Positive Futures is working in such a targeted way as part of this initiative to enhance sport and leisure provision in Ipswich.”

Alan Murray, the county council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “It’s fantastic that some of the most disadvantaged young people in our county will have a chance to take part in more sport.

“These clubs can only have a positive effect on young people’s health and wellbeing and will help Suffolk in our ambition of becoming the most active county.”

Multi-sports sessions will be held at the YMCA in Ipswich and a girls-only session will take place at Ipswich Goals Centre. Further sessions are being set up in Lowestoft with the support of Waveney District Council.

The scheme has been established by the sports charity, StreetGames, and so far more than 300 clubs have been set up.

Paul Knight, of Suffolk Positive Futures, which is delivering the programmes, said: “Young people living in some of Ipswich’s and Lowestoft’s most disadvantaged communities have limited access to sport or sport clubs.

“They miss out on the chance to develop friendships and take part in activities that can have such a positive effect on their lives. We will be working with the young people in both areas to deliver sport sessions that they are interested in, want to take part in, and keep coming back to as a participant or volunteer.”

For information about Suffolk’s Doorstep Sports Clubs contact Paul Knight at paul.knight@catch-22.org.uk