SPORTS students in Southampton are inspiring the next generation to tackle childhood obesity and boost their fitness and self-esteem.

Southampton Solent University undergraduates revealed their novel health and wellbeing projects at their Coaching Innovation Symposium.

The annual event, which is now in its third year, showcases the achievements of the university’s Coaching Innovation Programme (CIP).

The programme encourages students to develop new fitness and training programmes which are a benefit to the wider community.

Many are targeted at local schools, while others are aimed at the elderly and other socially hard-to-reach groups.

Projects include a primary school Key Stage 2 programme which teaches science through physical activities, and a project to increase sports participation among 13 and 14-year-old girls.

CIP director and senior lecturer in Sport Development Policy Kevin Harris, said: “This highlights the important role that the university and its students play in the provision of sport and physical activity around the city.”