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Source: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/how-youll-able-use-sports-3781857

Schools in Gloucestershire at set to fling their doors open and allow people to use their sports facilities.

County schools will receive a share of a £1.6million funding boost to allow them to make better use of their sports halls or pitches.

The scheme will encourage schools to allow residents in the local area to hire their facilities to play sport, and encourage people to be more active.

“The resources are there in a lot of schools and they are just sitting there waiting to be used.”

There is a budget of around £70,000 for Gloucestershire, the areas targeted will be those parts of the county that are more deprived and that have a lack of facilities. It is expected that between 25 and 45 schools will receive the support.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Getting children active from a young age helps them build confidence and learn skills they will use in later life. Many schools already open up their facilities so their communities can benefit and I want to encourage even more to do so.

“By backing schools with this extra money we can make more fun activities available all year round - everything from football to dodgeball – to help children find a sport that they will enjoy and which will keep them healthy.”

Active Gloucestershire has surveyed schools across the county to find out if they would be interested. Any schools that would like to register their interest should contact Active Gloucestershire.

The county will be one of 19 regions to receive a share of the funding.

Sports Minister Nigel Adams said: “It is absolutely right that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to learn how to run, jump, throw, and catch to develop a healthy lifestyle.

“As we outlined last year, our School Sport and Activity Action Plan will mean that all children have access to at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity through quality PE, sport sessions, clubs and facilities inside and outside of school hours.

“By opening up school sports halls and playing fields to sports clubs and the wider community, we will increase opportunities, particularly for those with the least access and from the most deprived areas and deliver on our manifesto commitment.

“The 2022 Commonwealth Games will not just be about two weeks of sport: it will open up a wealth of opportunities for people across the West Midlands, leaving a lasting sporting legacy for the region. So I encourage young people to make the most of these opportunities, particularly by getting involved in community sport.”