Get Set Leeds Local would like to share a big thank you to all that made this year’s Let’s Move: South Leeds event happen.
The community came together on Saturday 11 May 2024 to showcase some of what’s on offer locally for all ages. Residents flocked along to Cross Flatts Park to take part. The event was supported by over 25 organisations and groups coming together to put on tasters, demonstrations, have stalls and hand out free refreshments and foods. Many thanks is also given to the support from the Inner South Community Committee.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside and Chair of Inner South Community Committee) said:
“I’d like to thank all the partners who got involved in this fantastic event on Cross Flatts Park. Getting more people involved in physical activity is an important step to improve community health and wellbeing. It was great to see so many partners show what was possible in the local area and for the public to turn up and enjoy it. I’m looking forward to seeing these partnerships grow and develop and for an even bigger event to be put on next year.”
The park buzzed with children racing from activity to activity, earning a ‘stamp’ on their sheets. Collecting five stamps earned them a goodie bag. Many thanks to Aldi for supporting with donated snacks to go inside them. There weren’t just activities for children though. It was great to see grown-ups also joining in.
South Leeds is rich with good people doing good stuff, and hopefully everyone got chance to try something new. If you came along and enjoyed something (or your child did), then below is a bit of a round up of some of those came and where to find out more to join them.
Children also got a chance to play with a free play space and were joined by some playful partners. The Tetley (now known as Yorkshire Contemporary) came along as part of their Inside Out project, which is their community based arts play projects in South Leeds for children and families in Beeston and Beeston Hill. At the event artist Emily Binks worked with children to construct, stack and build using domestic house materials. Watch out for other activities by them this summer at yorkshirecontemporary.org.
If anyone know’s how to play, then its Kidz Klub, who bought along some bubble and jumping fun to the Let’s Move event. Aside from their weekly sessions and community work, Kidz Klub have supported over 50 play streets to have happened.
The Play Streets scheme is a free resident and community led initiative to enable children to play freely and safely in the street close to their home. To find out more about Play Streets you can visit www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/play-streets
Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) helped develop the Let’s Move event concept and event planning, he said:
“Massive thanks to all the many volunteers, partners, and Council officers for making this happen. It’s been great to see this idea develop and grow, then to see the park full of people having a good time together: we’ve a dynamic diverse community to be proud of. If people feel inspired to get involved and help lead this into next year and beyond, we’d love to hear from you.”
Free food and snacks ensured people had a full tummy to run around with. Get Set Leeds Local shared donated kit (thanks to partners) for families to select sports clothing and trainers to enable them to be active. Police supported cyclists through the Bike Register scheme which helps return recovered bikes; Big Bike Fix volunteers worked hard throughout the afternoon doing repairs of peoples bikes.
Thanks to all the stall holders (some of which aren’t listed below) and volunteers from Aspiring Communities. We’re already looking ahead to next years event. If you’ve got ideas, or would like to get involved with planning or putting on an activity then get in touch with karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk
Find your activity
South Leeds Lakers Juniors
Offer run, jump and throw activities free of charge to children aged 8 to 14 years. This takes place at the John Charles Centre with an emphasis on children having fun whilst also learning new skills. www.southleedslakers.co.uk. Adult social runs of various distances take place on Tuesday mornings and evenings.
Holbeck Moor Junior Football Club
A grassroots football club in Holbeck developed in 2022 which continues to grow and grow. It aims to develop a fun, and inclusive club for children and young people from 4–7 year olds, through to U17’s teams. www.holbeckmoorjfc.co.uk
St Luke’s RISE project
RISE football is available every Friday on Holbeck Moor at 4pm for school years (not age) 4 to 9 and year 10+ at 5pm – no cost, everyone is welcome.
Airenteerers
Orienteering group leading events and courses across different locations in Leeds (and beyond) each week. They welcome new members whatever their age, fitness or ability. All their events have courses for beginners. . A permanent course at Armley can be enjoyed anytime. www.aire.org.uk
British Cycling
Andy is a British Cycling Activator working alongside Active Leeds. He’s currently leading a weekly session after school every Wednesday in Cross Flatts Park for children’s learn to ride and skills development.
Cycle North
Cycle North are commissioned by WYCA to support adults to learn to ride or develop cycle confidence. They offer weekly group sessions at Cross Flatts Park, along with offering 1:1 support. Bespoke sessions can be developed for groups. Bikes available through our hub. New women’s only sessions also now available. www.cyclenorth.co.uk/adult
Hunslet Rugby Foundation
Hunslet Rugby Foundation run weekly events which can be found on our social media channels. Facebook – Hunslet Rugby Foundation and on X – @HunsletRugby. They also lead on Brickfield Park ParkPlay which is a weekly session in Beeston Hill for all ages. park-play.com/parks/brickfield
Yorkshire Cricket Foundation
Children’s Chance to Shine Cricket sessions take place weekly every Saturday at Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane, LS11 5EW. 8-12 years of age -10-11:30am / 13-15 years of age – 11:30am-1pm. www.chancetoshine.org or contact Sohail Raz 07783 987376 or Hassan Hussain 07437 039904
England Netball
A new free weekly adults beginners netball session at Cross Flatts Park offers a warm welcome to people new to, and coming back to netball. Every Tuesday 10–11am on one of the Multi Use Games areas. Contact yorkshireteam@englandnetball.co.uk for more information.
Let’s Do More basketball
LDM run community sessions in South Leeds for all young people, whether just getting into basketball or are looking for extra practice outside a regular training programme. Their Skills Lab are for those you are looking for more in depth training, for those involved in competition. www.letsdomore.org.uk/registration
South Leeds Valkyries (women’s basketball)
A friendly session for women, set up by South Leeds residents as a way for women to connect and have fun. They play and train weekly every Thursday evening, with coaching support from LDM. They can be found on Instagram @southleedsvalkyries or email southleedsvalkyries@gmail.com
Leeds All Stars TaeKwonDo
Family friendly weekly sessions take place weekly at Greenmount Primary School (you don’t need to attend the school). All ages train together. www.leedsallstarstaekwondo.co.uk
Cross Flatts Bowling Club
The bowling club are keen to welcome new members and participants to come and try their sport. They are now in their summer season which offers social bowling every Monday, Tuesday and Friday 1–4pm with first session free. More information on Facebook or just pop into the club.
Depot Climbing Wall
Are a large climbing facility in south Leeds offering climbing sessions for kids aged 4+ and a range of adult Learn to Climb Classes. Find out more: www.depotclimbing.co.uk/big-depot
Tennis
Tennis courts at Cross Flatts Park can be used for free at any time of day. Free tennis equipment is available to borrow from the Watsonian café (within their opening times) with a deposit. Adult and junior sessions are available at nearby John Charles Centre for Sport with Active Leeds.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)
WYCA joined us at the event as part of their Walk It Ride It campaign to listen and build understanding for what would support local people. www.cyclecityconnect.co.uk
Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL)
DAZL delivered some fab dance workshops at the event. Across South Leeds they deliver a mix of streetdance, Cheerdance, Hip-Hop, Breakdance, Creative, Jazz, Contemporary classes for children aged 3 – 19 (25 with a disability) along with sessions for mums on a Thursday. Find their timetable and further information at www.dazl.org.uk
This post was written by Karen Peck
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
