Working together to improve health and fitness in Bath

A new partnership has been forged in Bath to improve physical activity levels among underrepresented groups.

Bath City Football Club Foundation and not-for-profit leisure operator GLL have teamed up to provide facilities and targeted sports sessions specifically designed for those facing a range of challenges – including poor mental health, disability and lack of financial resources.

The collaboration will see the Foundation receive free and discounted space at Odd Down Sports Ground and other local GLL facilities so they can pilot a range of community-focused, place-based programmes. 

The first of these is Step Forward, a free exercise group being launched at Odd Down on Thursday 6 February for those aged 18 and over. Each fortnightly session will be run by a qualified coach and participants can go at their own pace and set their own goals.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bath City Football Club Foundation and help support their valuable work in the community,” said Mark Harrison, GLL’s Community Sports Manager for Bath and North East Somerset and Swindon.

“Tackling health inequality is one of GLL’s core values and this partnership is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference locally.”

Geoff Stevens, CEO of Bath City Football Club Foundation, said: “We’re looking forward to working with GLL and believe this partnership will help us establish need, secure longer-term funding, reach more people and improve local health and wellbeing.”