Olympic gold-medallist Amy Williams says it is important for children to enjoy sport and get active from a young age after becoming the first-ever Ambassador for Team Bath Tribe.
Amy has a close personal connection to the youth sport programme, whose new term of activities start this week, with her two young sons among the hundreds of children who take part in a wide range of sporting activities each week in the inspirational surroundings of the Team Bath Sports Training Village.
“This is where I and many other athletes trained to become an Olympic Champion but it is also a place where youngsters can develop what will hopefully be a lifelong love for sport and activity,” said Amy, who made history by winning women’s skeleton gold for Team GB at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
“My sons love meeting new friends and trying out the different sports in a fun, welcoming and safe environment, and the coaches are all really friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable.
“I obviously have first-hand experience of how sport can enrich your life and I think it is so important for children to get involved from a young age. It helps with physical and mental development, it provides valuable life skills such as teamwork and commitment, and it offers an opportunity to meet new people and forge friendships outside of school. Most importantly, it’s fun!”
Team Bath Tribe runs after-school and weekend activities for children from pre-school to Year 11 in such sports as athletics, badminton, football, judo, netball and trampolining. The energetic, multi-skill movement sessions provide a fun-first experience for younger children, while classes for older children also focus on participation and sports-specific skill development.
There is also a ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, with parent and child sessions for youngsters aged from four months to pre-school in the hydro pool and swim classes for older children in Team Bath’s Olympic-sized pool.
Sporting camps take place during the school holidays too, with bookings opening soon for October half-term. Find out more about Team Bath Tribe by visiting teambath.com/Tribe.