A NEWLY-INTRODUCED sport in York is being lapped up by the city's kids.

Greater access to trampolining is now in evidence at four of the city's schools thanks to an initiative from the Jorvik Sports Partnership, who attracted more than £17,000 in grant aid from The Big Lottery Fund.

Now youngsters are bouncing with good health and daring at Burnholme Community College, Archbishop Holgate's School, Joseph Rowntree School and Canon Lee School, where commuinity clubs have been established.

Each were bought trampolines while end decks were provided for Huntington School, where a new club is planned for the near future.

Along with a trampoline coach education course for teachers, the venture has created a huge increase in pupils taking part.

More than 600 pupils have attempted the sport through the partnership and a mentor coach, Harry Gallagher, has been working alongside teachers and setting up his own extra curricular clubs for primary and secondary pupils, attracting nearly 200 pupils per week on a regular basis.

The thumbs-up to the development was given by eight-year-old Beth-Annie Yeomans, a pupil at Ralph Butterfield School.

She enthused: "I really like trampolining because it keeps me fit. I learn new things every week and I am on Grade 7.

"The instructors are very good and make us work very hard. Everyone seems to enjoy it and I wish it was more than once a week."

Due to the secured funding many sessions are free, whilst others cost no more that £2 per session.

Kevin Davies, development manager at Jorvik Sports Partnership, which initiated the move after a survey of pupils in 39 schools declared an overwhelming interest in trampolining, said: "This project has been a monumental success.

"It is not just about the huge number of pupils who have now had the opportunity to take part in trampolining but more about engaging those pupils who do not usually take part in extra curricular activities.

"For those not attracted or interested in participating in football, cricket or netball, trampolining offers a different alternative and engages many inactive pupils".

Due to the secured funding many sessions are free, whilst others cost no more that £2 per session, which cater for pupils aged 5 to 16.

For more information or to enrol on a trampoline course, contact Harry Gallagher on 07910 171002.