Students from the University of Bedfordshire are going to tackle the barriers to participation in sport and physical activity in Luton.
First year students will conduct research on the issue, focusing on those aged 18-25, in Luton’s Dallow, Biscot and Saints wards.
As part of the Youth Insight Project, they will work with the council, Sport England, Active Luton and Luton Town Football Club.
Students will be engaging with young people through social media, questionnaires and interviews this week, to gather data for the project.
The first Practice week featured talks from the council, Sport England and Active Luton. The second practice week takes place this week and the final in March.
The Dean of the Business School, Dr Gordon Mellor, said: “The purpose of the Practice Week project is to ensure the students are equipped for the workplace by giving them a real project where they can apply classroom learning.
“Furthermore, The Youth Insight Project aims to engage with local partners and people on a project that has measurable outcomes and impact in our communities.”
The project was launched in October 2013, Practice Weeks are a Business School initiative bringing students together with businesses and communities to produce workplace-ready graduates with the skills employers are looking for.
Last year, over 35 Practice Weeks took place and are now embedded across the curriculum at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Councillor Aslam Khan said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring more people are able to take part in sport and physical activity and lead more healthy lifestyles.
“However, we know that there are a number of barriers which are preventing certain groups taking part.
“I am therefore delighted to be teaming up with other committed partners on this project so we can find out what the barriers are and so we know what needs to be done to ensure people are not only able to take part in sport and physical activity, but feel comfortable doing so.”
To get involved, visit: www.facebook.com/UOBYouthInsightProject