Rounders inspired fitness classes launches in Littledown Park

Next month, brand-new fitness classes inspired by rounders skills, drills and topped off with an exciting game, start in Littledown Park.

Supported by Sport England’s, Together Fund through Rounders England, the national body for the game, these new classes have been created to inspire underrepresented community groups into physical activity for better health and wellbeing.

Delivered by registered charity BH Live, the rounders-inspired classes are aimed at women and girls aged +14 who are interested in reconnecting with getting active in different and exciting ways.

Classes start on Tuesday 4 July 2023 at 6pm in Littledown Park (by the Cricket Pavilion).

The cost is £2.50 per person per class, including an hour’s activity and refreshments.

Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live runs a diverse programme of health and wellbeing activities across the BCP region to encourage more people into physical activity. She said;

“Rounders is great fun and when there was the chance to run these classes in the park, we literally jumped at the chance! The game has heaps of camaraderie. It is played outdoors in the fresh air which is brilliant for mental health and social interaction.

“No previous experience of the game is needed. As long as you are willing to have a go at batting a ball and can get to the next post, all abilities are welcome.

“We’ve already had lots of interest but need more to make the sessions as much fun as possible. If anyone is interested in finding out more then we urge them to get in touch.”

BH Live operates the region’s community leisure centres and provides health and wellbeing activities for all in partnership with BCP Council.

Councillor Mille Earl, Deputy Leader of the Council, and the Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities adds:

“Rounders is such a fun and accessible game that brings people together and initiatives like this can really make a difference to our local communities. I’m thrilled to see this class for women and girls launch, and the strong partnership between BCP Council and BH Live continuing to create these kinds of opportunities to enrich lives."

The sessions are scheduled to run for eight weeks and are available on a pay-and-play basis.

All subs are reinvested into delivering more sessions and enabling people on low income to take part. If they are popular and well-attended, the plan is to continue playing into the Autumn.

Rhian Lilley, Director of Development, Rounders England said,

“Rounders England is delighted to be able to support BH Live to deliver this unique opportunity in Bournemouth for women and girls to enjoy a sport that we all love. We look forward to hearing how the activity sessions develop.”

For more information and to book contact communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk. #WeAreAllRounders

ENDS

Photo-caption:

BH Live Active’s Rounders head coach Ella Burch who will be delivering the sessions in Littledown Park and BH Live’s Health and Wellbeing Manager Viv Galpin.

About the funding and sessions

Funding has been awarded to BH Live from Sport England’s Together Fund to provide Rounders-inspired sessions promoting physical activity for women and girls in the community. This money has been used by the charity BH Live to facilitate the session. This includes subsidising the player fees, buying equipment, staff training and delivering the weekly classes.