Young people throughout Cardiff are invited to take part in the ION Youth Summer Wellbeing Initiative that is taking place free of charge throughout Cardiff over the summer school holiday period.
Sponsored by FW Capital, the programme is run by former Welsh international rugby union player Robin Sowden-Taylor of ION Strength and Conditioning HYROX Cardiff and is in its fourth year. With just 16% of Welsh teens meeting daily activity guidelines the scheme promotes physical exercise for children aged 7-17 years old throughout the summer holidays.
Formed in 2021, the ION Youth Summer Wellbeing Initiative has supported over 1,000 children across Cardiff, offering free access to physical activity, structured play, and personal development. The programme has grown rapidly over the years and provides opportunities for those from less affluent backgrounds, Additional Learning Needs, and girls whose participation often declines with age. Activities range from strength and conditioning training to participation in team sports including basketball, tag/touch rugby and learning needs.
FW Capital is part of the Development Bank of Wales and manages funds throughout Wales under the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales.
Mike Owen, Chief Executive of FW Capital said: “The ION Youth Summer Wellbeing Initiative is a great programme. It’s very encouraging to see so many young people, both boys and girls, taking advantage of it and reaping the benefits of physical exercise.”
Robin Sowden-Taylor, Director at ION Stength and Conditioning HYROX Cardiff added: “Thanks to the support of local organisations like FW Capital, we are delivering another summer packed full of activities. It is a great boost for the programme, and we are very grateful. The programme has been created to support children in some of the most deprived communities in the Cardiff region. It’s about much more than fitness because it also supports mental health and is helping children to boost their confidence and feel involved. We’re making sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone it, bringing together communities.”
The ION Youth Summer Wellbeing Initiative programme includes:
ION Strength & Conditioning (Llanishen)
- Monday 2.30pm – Strength Training (14 to 16 yr olds)
- Tuesday 2pm – Additional Learning Needs (15 to 18 yr olds)
- Wednesday 2.30pm – Games based approach to Strength & Conditioning ( 7-10 yr olds)
- Thursday – 2.30pm Teenage Girls Strength & Conditioning (13-16 yr olds)
- Friday – 2.30pm – Strength & Conditioning (11 to 14 yr olds)
Community Sessions
- Tuesday 6.30pm – St.Mellons Hub – Basketball/Rugby Skills (10-13 yr olds)
- Wednesday 1pm – Eastern Leisure Centre, Llanrumney – Rugby Skills & Tag/Touch Rugby (11-14 yr olds)
- Thursday 1pm – Heath Park – Rugby Skills & Tag/Touch Rugby (11-14 yr olds
