Try out event brings ‘vitality’ to Worthing

WORTHING town centre was a bustling hive of activity on Saturday as young people were given a taster of a plethora of new sports and clubs.
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Youth Sporst Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Mayor Bob Smytherrman Tries his hand wrestling SUS-140414-114921001W15948H14

Youth Sporst Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Mayor Bob Smytherrman Tries his hand wrestling SUS-140414-114921001
W15948H14 Youth Sporst Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Mayor Bob Smytherrman Tries his hand wrestling SUS-140414-114921001

The first ‘try out day’ was set up by trader Paul O’Brien, of Candy Love in Bath Place, in partnership with Worthing Town Centre Initiative.

It was aimed at introducing young people to new activities, ranging from boxing to circus workshops, as well as increasing footfall in the town centre.

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Mr O’Brien said: “It went really well. We were very lucky with the weather and it was something new.

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Youth Sport Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Gymnastics Club SUS-140414-115131001W15957H14

Youth Sport Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Gymnastics Club SUS-140414-115131001
W15957H14 Youth Sport Try out Day in Worthing Town Centre on Saturday. Worthing Gymnastics Club SUS-140414-115131001

“Lots of clubs came along and got a lot of new members, so initial feedback has been positive.”

Stalls were spread out across Montague Place and South Street square, with Brighton and Hove Albion and Sussex County Cricket Club, among others, offering free coaching sessions.

Special guests, including resident tennis ace Lauren Jones, UK number one female skateboarder Lucy Adams and Worthing Football Club manager Adam Hinshelwood also gave talks on stage.

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Mr O’Brien said: “I think for the first time, on a limited budget, it worked really well.

“For traders, it is normally quite a flat weekend as it is the school holidays but it sounds like lots of shops were busy on the day.

“I was trying to think of things that could bring things into town which were not going to take away from retailers because sometimes things are quite similar to what we offer, like the market might offer similar products.”

Town centre manager Sharon Clarke said the event was well received, with some clubs signing up over 40 new members.

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She said: “It was great to encourage young people into sporting activities and taking exercise. It added vitality to our town and that’s what we are all about.

The event was supported by Worthing Borough Council, West Sussex County Council, Roffey Homes, the TCI and Mr O’Brien also donated funds towards the running costs.