THOUSANDS of Hampshire youngsters took part in a popular sports scheme this summer.

Eastleigh council said this year’s Park Sport was a success with a rise of 140 tennis bookings compared to 2016 and more than 3500 free swimming bookings for under 16 years olds as well as more than 3600 bookings across 13 different other sports and activities.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, youngsters aged between eight and 16 who live across the borough had the chance to enjoy activities in more than 28 local parks this summer, paying just £1 per session.

This year more than 500 youngsters also attended the Skate Jams events.

Cllr Alan Broadhurst, cabinet lead for wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to have provided such a wide range of activities for local youngsters and adults to enjoy.  Park Sport, summer of sport and Family Sport allows young people and adults across the Borough to access quality activity sessions and helps to keep them active and improve their health.”

The popular scheme celebrated its 13th anniversary this year and it was run with the support of Eastleigh Borough Local Area Committees, VIVID Homes as well as parish and town councils.

Carol Williams, operations director at VIVID said: “VIVID’s committed to creating bright futures, so it’s great to see that so many local young people have enjoyed a wide range of exciting sports and activities this summer. As well as the obvious benefits to health and wellbeing, it’s also given them an opportunity to try out something new that they might not otherwise get a chance to try.”

Bookings are now flooding in for a range of beginner courses that start in September to give youngsters a chance to continue to enjoy their chosen activity at a local club after the summer.