Cllr Sophie Thorpe has been working hard over the last few weeks to bring the new Friday Night Project, sports activities for you people, to fruition with help from a variety of quarters. “It took us a little longer than we hoped but based on the feedback we received from our Easter MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) sessions we have launched the Friday Night Project, at Freedom Leisure. These sessions are aimed at 11-17 years old and we are offering a variety of sports during the two hours for the children to get involved in.”
Friday nights are great now say the youngsters of Rye. One of the older boys taking part commented: “We love to play football and having the MUGA is great. I like that we can encourage the youngsters to play and have fun whilst learning new skills. I intend to try the other sports on offer too.”
“The use of the MUGA in school holidays is different to the Friday Night Project as it is a supported session, therefore your children will be encouraged to join in and try new sports with guidance from an adult.
“The sessions will run until the end of July, and then in August will see the return of the MUGA for £1 in the afternoons only. Following this, in September, the Friday Night Project will return with more opportunities for our young people to participate in.
“This isn’t all we have going on from the information and feedback we have received: RYZ – Rye Youth Zone – will be launching soon so watch this space.”
Toby Reed, Freedom Leisure’s area manager in Rother commented: “We have worked with Rye Town Council to make these sessions really appealing to young people, including activities such as curling, badminton, rounders and cricket to name just a few. We hope to engage with the local youngsters and increase activity levels while giving them a safe space to hang out in.
“Activities on offer will vary each week to keep it fresh, however the leaders are also happy to keep it fluid and take feedback from participants about what they want to do. We would like to thank Rye Town Council for securing the funding and making this programme possible, the centre is now looking forward to welcoming people this Friday, and can’t wait to hear what they think of their new Friday Night Project.”
Councillor Andy Stuart, the mayor of Rye said: “Rye Town Council voted unanimously to provide funding for this very worthwhile project, since it is hugely important that the youth of Rye are supported. I would also like to point out that while the Town Council has provided funding, the inspiration and much of the heavy lifting for this exciting project have been provided by Councillor Sophie Thorpe, a truly inspirational community leader, who does so much work for the people of Rye and the youth in particular.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .