Run at a variety of locations, the free program offers a safe, inclusive place for 12 to 18 year olds to meet new friends, take part in non-competitive sport and activities, mindfulness exercises and a healthy afternoon tea.
Shantelle, 17, enjoys participating in Streetgym each week at Birriwa Reserve Outdoor Youth Space, Mt Annan.
"Because I’m one of the older people, you’ve got to take that leadership role with the younger kids. It gives them an option to do something fun without having to worry about anything.
You come down to the park after school and you get to play with your friends. It’s easy that it’s the same time every week, at the same place.
I personally enjoy being able to play sport in an uncompetitive environment. It’s all for fun and that’s something that I enjoy a lot. Everyone is so nice and all the people are really encouraging."
Fellow Streetgym participant Retav, 16, agrees the program has made a big impact on his life.
"Normally I'd be at home playing the Xbox or something. Now I’m socialising more, talking to people I wouldn’t usually talk to. I’m used to playing with people my age and now I'm also playing with people younger and older, socializing better.
On Tuesday afternoons I had nothing to do but now I get to play with different kinds of people, playing new sports.
Having the Youth Workers involved has made it a lot easier to join in. They really do a good job. They're fun, they're playful, but they know what they’re doing and they do take it seriously. They make it a more enjoyable place – a safe, fun place."
"Everybody goes through tough stages. It’s not fair if people have to go through them but don’t see the upside to things as well."
Read the story"I was worried about fitting in at first. But it didn’t take long to adjust. They all accepted me for who I was"
Read the story"My team came from Gladesville and having the Ryde Community Sports Centre nearby provides a social way to see each other and keep fit."
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