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Dodging is the name of the game at free holiday event

Wiltshire Council's Sport and Physical Activity team, in partnership with British Dodgeball, held a celebration dodgeball event giving young people a fun, free way to stay active during the festive season.

Published 9 January 2025
Children taking part in a dodgeball event

Children and young people from across Wiltshire attended the event, held at Trowbridge Sports Centre on Monday 23 December. The event celebrated the children who attend the council's weekly Doorstep Sports Club sessions. It also launched a new collaboration between Wiltshire Council and British Dodgeball. 

The Doorstep Sports Club initiative provides free and accessible opportunities for young people to take part in regular physical activity within their local communities. Supported by Wiltshire Council for over a decade, the project has made a meaningful impact in areas where support is most needed. 

The term-time clubs support young people aged 8+, with an emphasis on inclusion, and encourages those over 16 to take on leadership roles during the sessions. The programme currently operates in two locations: Bemerton Heath in Salisbury and Studley Green in Trowbridge, and sessions are proving both popular and successful, with consistent attendees. Due to growing demand, Wiltshire Council plan to expand the programme even further in 2025.  

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries, said, We are extremely proud to support the Doorstep Sports Club initiative, and welcome the opportunity to help young people be active and engaged.

By removing the barriers to participation and creating sporting opportunities for young people, we can create social connections and improve their physical and mental wellbeing - a key business plan priority for us as a council. 

We're delighted to collaborate with organisations such as British Dodgeball, as it means that we can extend the programme's reach, celebrate our participants, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of our communities. The fast-paced, inclusive, and fun nature of dodgeball has made it a firm favourite with regulars at the weekly sessions. Its growing popularity across the county means that it will be a perfect addition to the weekly programme. 

A special thank you to the Sport and Physical Activity team and to the leisure centre staff for their help in hosting the event, and to British Dodgeball for their continued support in helping young people across Wiltshire stay active and engaged in sport. 

We look forward to expanding this initiative further in 2025.

James Robinson, Regional Development Officer at British Dodgeball, said, The Trowbridge event was a lot of fun, testing everyone's dodgeball skills and playing lots of games. I am really pleased we were able to partner with Wiltshire Council, this has been a great opportunity to promote the local club, Trowbridge Tigers Dodgeball Club and share a range of resources with the coaches & volunteers who work on the project. I hope to share British Dodgeball's resources and support across the whole county of Wiltshire and continue this partnership for years to come.

For more information on Doorstep Sports Clubs or to get involved, please visit Activities for young people - Wiltshire Council or contact Community Sport and Well-being Officer, Lauren Park, at lauren.park@wiltshire.gov.uk

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