CitySport provides sport and physical activity support for displaced community members following closure of a local sports centre.
Following the unfortunate news that the leisure operator Fusion has gone into administration, the Golden Lane Leisure Centre closed in May. The facility catered for hundreds of City of London residents and a number of community groups.
Working closely with the City of London Corporation, the Sport and Leisure Service at City St George’s was able to support the continuation of activity sessions.
This included weekly football and gym sessions for youth SEND individuals and multiple low-intensity sport sessions - including short-mat bowls, pickleball, and line dance - for older adults.
Previous Golden Lane members were also given free access to CitySport throughout May to help community users transition to new health and fitness activities.
One new user commented, “we’re really grateful for the university hosting our sessions. When I heard the old centre was closing, I thought we wouldn’t be able to continue meeting and playing the sport we love”.
Tom Edwards, City St George’s Head of Sport and Leisure said: “we are pleased to have been able to support at such short notice. Enabling of local residents to continue, and increase, their engagement in sport and physical activity is a core focus of ours and demonstrates how the university sports facility isn’t just for students, but for our entire community.
“This collaborative work with the City of London strengths are partnership delivery with the Corporation and is a prime example of the civic and enterprising endeavours of the university as a whole”.
Many Golden Lane, and other local residents, will be eligible for the heavily-discounted Concession membership at CitySport. Find out more about what activities are available here.