Commencing on 24th June, the programme consists of 8 different activities spread across 11 classes and will be delivered over a 6-week period until Thursday 1st of August. All activities will centre around Offaly Sports Partnership’s new Community Sports Hub located in Ballycumber Activity Centre. 

Denise Coghill, Community Sports Development Officer with Offaly Sports Partnership, outlines “we aim to engage with as many teenagers as possible over the summer months by offering a variety of fun activities with the ultimate goal of keeping teens involved in sports.  Teenagers have very little offered to them over the summer months in comparison to primary school children, so this project will go a long way to help our youth engage in a variety of sports activities.”

In the lead up to this programme, Denise coached students from Clara Secondary School and Gallen Community College in Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes.  “It’s all about creating awareness about the numerous fun activities that are available for students to try to ensure they continue in sport for as long as possible” added Denise.

The programme will showcase the excellent sporting facilities available in Ballycumber Activity Centre, including a covered astroturf pitch as well as a covered space which allows training of all types of sporting and community activities to continue regardless of the weather outside. Denise paid tribute to the Ballycumber Activity Centre committee who spearheaded the development of the facility for the benefit of the local and wider community.  Currently, the Hub hosts fitness classes, hiit and circuit, drop and move, pilates, gentle fitness for over 50s, social dancing, female boxercise classes, walking football and new favourite, pickleball, and the activity centre is also used by teams for training sessions.  

Denise concluded that “all activities in the 6-week programme are free for participants.  Prebooking is not essential, just turn up on the day. Follow Offaly Sports Partnership and Offaly County Council on social media to get further details about activities on offer during this week.”  

The full timetable is available below; and for further information, please contact Denise Coghill by email