A new event, taking place on Sunday 27th September, coud be just the ticket for any young people looking for a new way to occupy their free time, make friends and learn new skills.
The 'Sunday Fun Day', which is being held at Ronaldsway Sports and Social Club, will give a wide range of clubs and societies a chance to showcase what they have to offer to potential new members.
The Fun Day is the first major event to be staged by the Southern Multi-Agency Team ('MAT'), one of five regional teams consisting of professionals from education, healthcare, police, social services and the voluntary sector.
The teams were set up earlier this year with the aim of improving the lives, wellbeing and prospects of young people.
From discussions with members of the community in the south of the Island, the Team realised that there was an abundance of organised activities in which youngsters could get involved.
Andrea Rycroft of the Isle of Man Children's Centre (a Southern MAT member), says, "We recognise that many children in our area do not realise the opportunities that are available to them locally so we are organising the Fun Day to give local children and young people the opportunity to try out social and leisure organisations in their area.
"There is a dual purpose to this in that the clubs and association taking part are seeking new members, too, so the day will hopefully boost their ranks."
Amongst the organisations taking part are: Port Erin Tennis Club, Blackford Castletown Badminton Club, Hot Shots Badminton Club, Discover Diving, Southern Swimming Club, Castletown Football Club, Southern Gymnastics Club, Saracens Junior Hockey Club, Fantasia Dance Troupe, Southern Table Tennis Club, Castletown Lawn Tennis Club, Castletown Cricket Club, Southern Nomads Rugby Club, Ronaldsway Bowling Club, Rushen Football Club, the Academy of Dance, the Air Cadets, the Youth Service and the Prince's Trust.
For adrenaline lovers, there will also be a rodeo bull, and the Department of Education will donate their climbing wall for the day.
For very young children, there will be a bouncy castle, while parents can enjoy the car boot sale. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Young people wishing to try out any of the sports and hobbies on offer do not need to bring any special clothing or equipment, and there is no pressure to 'sign up' to any organisations on the day.
The emphasis is on simply trying out new activities to see what, if anything, piques their interest.
The Isle of Man Children's Centre will be running races, games and activities between 2pm and 3pm, while older children and teenagers can make the most of the Wii, music and computing facilities on the Youth Bus.
There'll be information stands and displays, including those of the DOT's Road Safety team, St John Ambulance and the Southern MAT itself.
Karen Davies, Chairman of the Southern MAT, says, "We want to find out young people's views about facilities and resources for them on the Island - what they like, for instance, and what thay think can be improved on.
"These views will ultimately inform our action plan in the next twelve months.
"If people support this event, it could really make a difference to the lifestyles and outlook of our young people."
Andrea concludes, "Sunday Fun Day ties in with the Isle of Man Children's Plan and the Chief Minister's Strategy of ensuring that our children stay safe, are healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, and prosper."
The Sunday Fun Day takes place at Ronaldsway Sports and Social Club from 12pm til 4pm on Sunday 27th September. To book a car boot stall, call 07624 363283.
Any club or group which has not yet been approached but would like to take part can also contact the above number to find out more.
Pictured: Karen Davies, Chairman of the Southern Multi-Agency Team.
