Forest leisure centres helping to provide sports equipment to children and young people in need

The Kit out the Nation campaign began on 4th September and will be running for a month until 2nd October as a ‘Make a Difference’ campaign by the BBC. Lydney and Cinderford leisure centres are encouraging people to donate unwanted, good condition sports kit and equipment that will be distributed to children and young people in the area who might otherwise lose out.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Paul Hiett, said, “It’s great that the Forest of Dean District Council and Freedom Leisure can be a part of this fantastic initiative. Encouraging young people to take up sports and activities will not only have a positive impact on their physical health, but also be hugely beneficial for their mental wellbeing.

“We are urging everyone to take a look through their cupboards, garages and sheds for any unused sports equipment and kit. You can then drop it off at Lydney or Cinderford leisure centre where it will be given to children and teenagers who need it most.”

This campaign aims to get more young people active, following a report issued on the 29th July 2021 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee which found that there were 100,000 fewer children meeting the recommended level of physical activity in 2020 compared to 2019*.

Dave Spencer, Area Manager Freedom Leisure said, “Freedom Leisure is delighted to be supporting Kit Out the Nation to help provide sports equipment and sports clothing to children and young people who need it in order to get more active. This is a nationwide campaign working with BBC radio and is a fantastic way to support those in need. The teams at both Freedom Leisure Lydney and Freedom Leisure Cinderford are all ready to accept your donations.”

Residents who have unwanted, good condition sports kit or equipment can make donations directly to Freedom Leisure Cinderford and Freedom Leisure Lydney. Full details of addresses and opening hours are available on the following websites:

Lydney – https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/freedom-leisure-lydney/

Cinderford - https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/freedom-leisure-cinderford/