Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre breaking down barriers to physical activity

Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre is providing greater opportunities for local people to try out new activities – and develop their coaching and leadership skills.

The centre in Cudworth is offering a range of sessions, including Glow in the Dark Dodgeball and Kurling, as well as karate, cricket and goalball sessions for blind and visually impaired children.

Staff have also been working in partnership with England Athletics to deliver Funetics.

These are fun, engaging activity sessions designed to encourage kids aged 4-11 into athletics and create potential pathways for them to progress through Barnsley Athletics Club, which is based at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.

The project also linked up with Barnsley College to offer interested students the chance to improve their coaching skills, supported by tutors from England Athletics.

Connor Pickles joined BPL earlier this year in the newly created role of Community Sports Development Officer.

Connor’s remit involves identifying opportunities to deliver different activity sessions, including those which will encourage local kids to be more active.

He works with the community to gain valuable feedback on what they might enjoy and help to break down any barriers to participation.

He said: “As a centre which is such a big part of the community, it’s important that we’re not just offering a gym and that there are opportunities to do more activities, especially for kids.

“Athletics, for example, is a great way to get young people involved in sports and learn new fundamental skills, such as throwing and running. These can then also be useful in other sports.”

Connor is also looking at ways to further strengthen links with local schools to be able to go in and speak to pupils and deliver activity sessions.

He added: “I’m really enjoying the role and helping to grow the reputation of what BPL can offer in terms of community sport.

“It’s been amazing so far. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.”