Stroud District Council is joining forces with coaches and clubs to lay on 50 sports activities free-of-charge at both its sports centres – and there is something for everyone.

The Active For Life Health and Wellbeing Day at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud and at The Pulse in Dursley will showcase sports through a huge range of taster sessions on Saturday, September 8.

Anyone can book a place at stroud.gov.uk/activeforlife and there will be some activities for which booking is not required, including a climbing wall at both venues. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service is joining in the fun and will be at Stratford Park and Dursley too.

Sessions will run at Stratford Park from 10am to 2pm and at The Pulse from 8am to 5pm.

Council leader Doina Cornell said: “Both of the council’s leisure centres are great assets to our district and I am proud of this council’s commitment to sport and leisure to help promote the health and wellbeing of the people who live here.

 

“There is something for everyone to try for the first time or perhaps return to a sport that they used to do.”

The event is being run in partnership with Forest Green Rovers FC, Badminton England, Ninja Tots, Rugby Tots, Ninja Kids, Stroud Handball, Rush Skatepark, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Smash Up Badminton, KO Stroud Boxing and MMA Club, Vale Vision, Move It Or Lose It, Fair Shares, Gloucester Rugby Community Charity, Warehouse Climbing Centre, Gilly Salter Sports, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Dursley Running Club Juniors, Netball Fun League, Gloucestershire FA, Spiral Sport Yoga, Stroud Mums on the Run, LCS Cheerleading, Zumba With Love, and Tennis Plus Modern Tennis Academy.

There will be 50 sessions which are free-of-charge, plus swimming activities at The Pulse which will be charged at a reduced rate.

Stratford Park Leisure Centre

Walking Football

Come and try this variant on football. Played at a walking pace it is suitable for all age groups – ideal for families.

Time: 10am-10.45am

Climbing wall

Try and ascend the climbing wall under the supervision of expert staff.

Time: All day.

Family Spin

Group Cycling is a high energy 30-45 Minute indoor cycling class led by the instructors unique playlist which is full of powerful and energising music. Group Cycling is challenging, great fun and one of the best ways to improve a person’s cardiovascular fitness while burning lots of calories. It can also be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, so why not give it a go?!

Run by Everyone Active

Time: Class 1- 10.30am-11am & Class 2- 11.15am -11.45am

Family Zumba

Have fun whilst getting fit! Lively, energetic dance class, filled with many rhythms from around the world - Salsa, Merengue, Reggaetón, cha-cha, rock and roll...something for everyone. It's all about the music, doesn't matter if you have 2 left feet as long as you’re moving them. Come along and join the fun - Zumba's for everyone

Time: 10.30am-11.30am

Handball

Stroud Handball Club runs recreational sessions and competitive teams for both juniors and adults. It welcome players of all abilities and experience levels.

Time: 11am-11.45am

KO Stroud Boxing & MMA Club

KO Stroud Boxing & MMA Club is a multi-discipline martial arts club which offers classes and personal training sessions in MMA, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Wrestling.

Time: 11.15am-12.00pm

Tennis Court Hire

Already got a racket and want to play as a family? Hire one of the four courts available for a 30 minutes slot free-of-charge.

Time: Noon-2pm

Back to Badminton - Family Session

Come and pick up a racket and play as a family. Meet local club members and coaches

Rackets and shuttles provided.

Time: 1pm-1.30pm

Yoga is for Everyone!

Family yoga is fun for everyone. A time to help each other, strengthen, release, stretch and relax. Connecting to yourself and your family.

Time: 1.30pm-2pm

Touch tennis

'Touchtennis' is a modified easier alternative to tennis played on mini courts.

Time: 10am-10.45am

Adult only event

Beginners group run

Have you ever fancied learning to run but haven't known where to start? Do you like the idea of running in a supportive group environment, coached by someone with a proven track record of helping people learn to enjoy running? If so, this taster session is for you.

Stroud based run coach, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, is holding a beginners group run taster session where she will give you hints and tips to get you off the sofa and progressing to run 5K. This hour session will be an active one, in which you will start running, so bring your trainers and get ready for some fun!

Time: 10am / noon / 2pm

Adult only event

Walking rugby

This form of the game is ‘no contact’ and all ages over 18, abilities, and genders can play.

Time: 10am-10.45am

Adult only event

Move it or lose it!

If you feel that your balance is not what it used to be then this class could be for you. Move it or Lose it are easy to follow exercise classes for older people. The classes aim to help you feel fit for life and get your vitality back.

Time: 10.30am-11.15am

Adult only event

Gentle park walk

This walk is designed to be accessible for those living with all stages of dementia and anyone who would benefit from gentle exercise and enjoy the experience of nature with a friendly and welcoming group. The walk is supported by trained volunteers and if you have a carer they should accompany you. Run by Fair Shares

Time: 10.30am– 11.30am

Adult only event

Walking netball

This is a slowed down version of the game aimed at anyone looking to do exercise. It’s for all abilities, and you do not have to have attended a netball session previously. Run by Gilly Slater Sports.

Time: 10.45am-11.15am

Adult only event

Cardio tennis

An exciting new group activity that's gathering hundreds of new fans every day. Not only does it provide the ultimate high-energy workout and a great alternative to the gym but it also develops your tennis skills – whatever your level of play.

Time: 11am-11.45am

Adult only event

Better balance

If you feel that your balance is not what it used to be then this class could be for you. Better Balance is a mixture of chair-based and standing exercises which aim to improve your strength, balance and increase your confidence. Run by Stroud District Council

Time: 11.30am-12.15pm

Adult only event

Back to Netball

This session is a gentle and fun infused introduction to the sport.. The session will cover basic skills and court play. Out main aim is to get people active and to increase the number of people playing Netball. Run By Netball Fun Leagues

Time: Noon-12.45pm

Over 16’s

Yoga

To release, rebalance and rejuvenate. To get your energy flowing. A healing and empowering class for over 50's.

Time: 1pm-1.30pm

Back to Badminton

Not played badminton for a while then come and pick up a racket and have a go. You will also be able to meet local club members and coaches.

(rackets and shuttles provided)

Time: 1.30pm-2.00pm

Adult only event

Tennis

Fun mini tennis drills and games with all equipment supplied suitable for all standards from complete beginners upwards. Run by Modern Tennis Academy.

Time: 10:00am-10:45am

Child only event

Cheerleading

Cheer is a fantastic way to meet people, be part of a team. Learn a basic Pom routine and basic cheer skills in this half hour taster session and even a few stunts if you’re keen! You don't have to be an amazing gymnast, we work with all abilities and willing participants.

Time: 10am-10.30am- Cheer Taster Session 7-12 yrs olds.

11.30am-12.00pm- Cheer Taster Session 12-18 yr olds

Skateboard Taster Session

Rush Skatepark will be based at Stratford Park Outdoor Skatepark and will be providing taster sessions in Skateboarding for anyone over the age of 5 years old or more than 1.2m in height. There will be coaching and the equipment for you to give it a go! The taster sessions will last for 30 minutes for up to five riders at a time.

Time: 10am-10.30am /Noon-12.30pm

Child only event

Ninjatots

A fun and educational class aimed at building confidence and developing essential skills, giving children the best opportunity to ‘find their feet’ later in life. The classes are designed to be exciting, enriching and lots of fun. Run by Ninja Tots.

Time: 5-6 yr olds 11am-11.30am

Child only event

Touch tennis

'Touchtennis' is a modified easier alternative to tennis played on mini courts. Run by Modern Tennis Academy.

Time: 11am-11.45am

Child only event

Scooter Taster Session

Rush Skatepark will be hosting scooter taster sessions and demonstrations on Saturday 8 September during the Active for Life Day.

They will be based at Stratford Park Outdoor Skatepark and will be providing taster sessions in scootering for anyone over the age of 5 years old or 1.2m in height. We will provide a coach and the equipment for you to give it a go! The taster sessions will last for 30 minutes for up to five riders at a time

Time: 11.30am-noon and 12.30pm-1pm

Child-only event

Badminton Plus Balls Workshop

Time: Noon-12.30pm

Child only event

SmashUp! Badminton

Come and Try Smashup! challenges with our SmashUp! Activator, all done to music in a fun, relaxed environment. 8–16 yr olds

Time: 12.30pm-1pm

Child only event

Ninja Kids

A fun and educational class aimed at building confidence and developing essential skills, giving children the best opportunity to ‘find their feet’ later in life. The classes are designed to be exciting, enriching and lots of fun. Run by Ninja Tots

Time: 7-10 yr olds - 12.30am-1pm

Child only event

Rugbytots 2 – 3.5 yr olds

Rugbytots’ fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.

Our youngest classes require full parent participation and offer a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your child whilst they learn new skills, meet new friends and have an exciting introduction to rugby.

Time: 1pm-1.30pm

Rugbytots 3.5 – 5 yr olds

These 30 minute session does not require full parent participation, however, cheering and encouragement is essential! Your Rugbytot will be part of a dynamic session that will develop their social and physical skills in a positive environment. Run by Rugby Tots

Time: 1.30pm-2pm

Junior Boxing

Time: 12.30pm-1.15pm

Child only event

Health Walk-Stroud

Meet at Stratford Park Leisure Centre

Time: Noon-1pm

Women and Girls’ Boxing

Time: 13.15pm-2pm

Public Swimming

£2.00 per person

Under 18 months Free

Swimming is the only charged-for activity and is at a special reduced rate.

Time: 1.15pm to 2.15pm

The Pulse, Dursley

Climbing wall

Try and ascend the climbing wall under the supervision of expert staff.

Time: All day.

PiYO

A fusion of Pilates and Yoga that will burn calories, tone muscles, improve balance and give you all round great stretch

Age Limit— 10 yrs +

Time: 11.00am-11.45am

Hatha Yoga

A relaxing, gentle class that helps align body and mind whilst working on your breathing. Age Limit— 14 yrs +

Time: 8am-9am

Strength Circuits

The ultimate simultaneous challenge of muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. This equipment based circuit will test your ability to exert maximum muscle effort for short periods of time. Age Limit— 14 yrs +

Time: 9.10am-9.55am

Try out Tri

8-12 years – swim 50 metres (2 lengths of the Pulse Pool), cycle 1 mile (spin bike) and run 1 mile around the recreation ground

13 -16 years – swim 100 metres (4 lengths of the Pulse Pool), cycle 2 miles (spin bike) and run 2 miles around the recreation ground

The event will be timed and there will be medals for all who take part and trophies for fastest girl and boy

All participants must be registered in advanced and complete a form at https://www.stroud.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/active-for-life-health-wellbeing-day/active-for-life-child-events/try-out-tri

Time: 2.45pm briefing for 3.15pm start

Spin

An indoor Cycling experience for all levels and abilities in an inspiring group atmosphere.

Age Limit— 10 yrs +

Time: 8.15am-9am

Mat Pilates

Concentrating on lengthening and strengthening the core muscles by focusing on good technique, precision and control of movement to reduce the risk of injury and enhance injury recover. A variety of levels makes this class suitable for beginners to experienced Pilates participants.

Age Limit - 10 yrs +

Time: 2pm-3pm

Health Walk - Dursley

Dursley Walking for Health team leads a health walk every Thursday afternoon. The free walks are on footpaths and pavements at a gentle pace up to 1 hour duration. They usually meet at 2 pm by the benches by Barclays Bank in Parsonage Street, new walkers are welcome to come along. No booking needed, just turn up

For everyone (children must be accompanied by adults)

Time: 11am - noon

Soft Play Session

Venue: The Pulse - Dursley

Time: 3.30pm-5pm

Public Swimming

£2.00 per person

Under 18 months Free

Swimming is the only charged-for activity and is at a special reduced rate.

Time: 10.45am-1.40pm

Inflatable Fun

Suitable for all ages as there will inflatables in both the shallow and deep end, along with rafts and small toys for the younger children. All under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult. No non swimmers are allowed in the deep end. Booking essential as it can be a busy session. £2.00 per person. Swimming is the only charged-for activity and is at a special reduced rate.

Times: 1.45pm-2.30pm & 2.30pm-3.10pm