University students champion active lifestyles in Trafford schools

University Academy 92 has partnered with Trafford School Sports Partnership (SSP) to deliver sports activities and promote healthy and active lifestyles to children in Trafford.

Through the UA92 Physical Literacy and Healthy Active Lifestyles (HAL) Roadshows, students are engaging with local primary schools to develop physical literacy and encourage young people to be active for at least 60 minutes daily, as recommended by the government.

Since the programme’s launch it has provided more than 500 children with physical literacy development opportunities, including at schools engaging in the ‘School Streets’ initiative, which temporarily closes roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring safer routes for active travel.

Jason Doggett, Sports Lecturer at UA92 said: “This initiative provides our students with invaluable hands-on experience in coaching, teaching and community outreach which are all core learning opportunities.

The skills they practice not only help support their development as aspiring health champions and advocates but also helps them foster a lifelong positive relationship with movement in their local areas.” 

Katy Wilson, Health, Exercise and Sport student at UA92 said: “Going to local primary schools is such a great experience. We implement our degree learning into real life environments, and it is excellent to see how much the children enjoy the sessions whilst learning about key health information.”

Kay Statham, Partnership Development Manager at Trafford School Sports Partnership, said: “The sessions delivered in partnership with UA92 have been fantastic. The students have been extremely professional and really connected with the pupils.

It has enabled a more community-focused approach to physical literacy opportunities, while giving students valuable hands-on experience that benefits both them and the pupils.”

UA92 students and organisers plan to enhance the programme by introducing practical cooking sessions, aiming to teach children essential cooking skills alongside nutrition education workshops.