A BROMLEY-based charity is launching a new activity programme this month aimed at energizing the borough’s young people.

The Extended Activity package has been funded by government cash and Bromley MyTime has been charged with putting together an extensive activity list aimed at enticing youngsters onto the 10-week programme.

The timetable of activities runs from May to July and makes use of the Bromley MyTime leisure facilities around Bromley including The Spa in Beckenham and the Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington.

It will include boxing, cycling and dance sessions throughout the school term.

The leisure-based charity is hoping 172 teenagers and young people will sign up to scheme.

Connect manager for Bromley Mytime, Debbie Glazzard, said that the extra cash has been crucial in setting up the new activities.

She said: “Bromley MyTime is aiming to deliver national objectives in Bromley. We are really hoping there is going to be a big uptake because these activities provide such a great opportunity.

“We are working with local schools and other clubs and these new activities target the semi-sporty children who already exercise a little.”

She added: “It is then about keeping these children interested in sport after the 10-weeks.”

The £20,000 programme is being funded by a Sport England and Croydon’s Pro-Active South London (P-ASL) who want to see all young people engaged in at least five-hours of physical activity each week - two hours of high quality curriculum PE and three-hours of extra curricular sport.

The Government grant means that 11 to 16-year-olds can sign up to the programme for as little as £1 each week.

Debbie Glazzard said that the activities have been scheduled to give children something to do in their spare time.

“Young people have been telling us they want more to do on Friday evenings and the weekends when they have more spare time to themselves. Increasingly they are also concerned about keeping healthy and these activities are the ideal way to get in shape and have fun,” she said.

The next round of programmes are scheduled for September 2008.

* To book your place on the Extended Activities programme contact your local Bromley MyTime leisure centre or call 020 8323 1777.