Concord Sports Centre is to join forces with four schools this month (January) following the success of its first project under the Fitness Industry Associations’ Adopt A School with Norwich Union initiative.

The facility partnered Hatfield Primary School in Shiregreen, Sheffield to offer the school’s 10- to 11-year-olds a six-week fitness programme to improve their knowledge of health and fitness.

The children visited the centre for one hour a week taking part in a range of activities such as hockey, group cycling classes and circuit training.

All children received a gym induction of the CV equipment and in the final two weeks did a 30-minute step class and spent half an hour in the gym.

“Concord is a regional facility which maintains a strong community focus,” said Concord’s health and fitness club manager Michelle Barker.

“This scheme has given Concord the opportunity to educate local children on the importance of health and fitness and to involve them in exercise and sport.”

At the end of the scheme a representative from Concord Sports Centre visited the school to present certificates to all the children who completed the initiative.

The centre has now booked similar programmes for another four schools following the success of the initiative.

Meanwhile, work is due to complete on the £1.3m refurbishment of the centre. Due to open in February, the work includes a new gym which will be twice the size of the original; a new health suite with sauna, steamroom and treatment rooms; improved disabled facilities and refurbished changing rooms and reception area.