Breeze Games heads to Armley

Fun and games will descend on the Armley area this weekend to encourage more children and young people to get outside and play.



Children and young people can head to the Ley Lane recreation ground in Armley this Saturday 14 March from 10.30 – 12.30, where they will be able to take part in a wide selection of traditional street games and sports as well as board games and craft activities.



The event, called #BreezeGames, will be at the Ley Lane recreation ground every Saturday for six weeks and follows a successful programme on the Wythers estate which proved very popular with youngsters in West Leeds.



#BreezeGames is organised by Leeds City Council’s Breeze team and uses the Breeze Arts and Music van (BAM Van) to the heart of hard to reach areas and deliver activities using the van as a base.



Each session offers challenges where children and young people (and parents too) compete across a wide variety of team and individual games and fun activities. All of the games and sports are chosen so that children are able to quickly learn and continue to play with low cost or no cost equipment and materials.



The programme includes traditional street games such as British Bulldog and old favourites with a modern twist like (Fifa) street football. There will also be demonstrations of popular sporty games like rounders and Kwik cricket; and for the less sporty there are card games, board games, paper games, word games and cheap and cheerful craft activities that can also be replicated at home. For the committed ‘techies’ there is the opportunity to get on board the BAM van and have a go on the Sony Playstation (although it is part of a challenge so they have to do other activities too).



Councillor Judith Blake, executive member for children and families said:

“Playing is such an important part of growing up, but far too many children don’t get the opportunity to get outside and have fun. Playing is not only fun but it also helps children develop social skills and learn about rules and boundaries.



“This is a great opportunity for the youngsters of Armley to rediscover the fun of playing out. The Breeze team have organised lots of different games and activities so there will be something for everyone to try, and hopefully the children will make lots of new friends too.”



The project is led by Leeds City Council’s Breeze team, is funded through the Inner West Housing Advisory Panel, and is supported by local residents, the community committee and the Families first programme.





ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Emma Whittell, Leeds City Council press office, on (0113) 2474713

Email: emma.whittell@leeds.gov.uk