New sports fields and swimming lessons for all children

Saturday 25 January 2014

Plans to teach all Jersey schoolchildren to swim are part of the Education department’s five year sports strategy that will also create three new playing fields.

The Department hopes that a co-ordinated swimming programme across all schools would produce competent swimmers who are safe in the water and the sea.

The proposals would see logistical support for schools, including transport.

Education’s new strategy aims to get more children to take up sport at an early age and develop a sporting habit for life.

Over the next five years the Department wants to invest £300,000 to buy and prepare at least three new school playing fields.

A £1.1 million investment in new artificial grass pitches would enable more people to take part in football, hockey, rugby and other sports.

It will mean that pitches can be used more often and for longer.

It’s hoped more investment at grass roots level will see more young islanders motivated to continue playing sport after school, at weekends and during the holidays.