Camden Get Active Youth Academy looks to aid disadvantaged young adults

February 11, 2025

Aiming to uplift disadvantaged youth in south western Sydney, a collaboration between the BlueFit Foundation, AFL NSW/ACT and Camden Council has led to the successful launch of the Camden Get Active Youth Academy.

Led by BlueFit team members at Mount Annan Leisure Centre and Student Counsellors at Mt Annan Public School and Elizabeth Macarthur High School, the program has engaged 25 at-risk students in a series of enriching sporting activities.

Over six weeks, students participated in a variety of sports, including basketball, AFL, boxing, and a gym session, culminating in a multisport round-robin event on 10th December last year.

This pilot program aimed to not only promote physical activity to students in years 8 to 11 but also to foster social connections, make new friends and provide insights into potential career paths in the sport and recreation sector.

Among these employment opportunities were lifeguard and swim instructor courses offered by BlueFit Foundation, which includes free training to eliminate financial barriers.
This empowers participants to consider meaningful career paths within their local community while promoting a healthier lifestyle through ongoing recreational activities.

The positive impact of the program has seen:

75% of participants felt their mental health had improved through the program
88% of students said they gained new skills.

Most attendees highlighted the program's social and fitness benefits, such as making new friends, staying active and greatly increased confidence which was a major positive of the program.

Camden Mayor, Ashleigh Cagney explained “supporting our young people is one of the most important investments we can make in the Camden community. They are our future and this program and others like it provide them with opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.

“At Camden Council, we’re so proud to have partnered with BlueFit and AFL NSW/ACT to deliver this program for our youth. It highlights what can be achieved when organisations work together with the shared goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive and supportive community for future generations."

3rd February 2025 - ASICS study explores why youth are quitting team sport

22nd January 2025 - Royal Life Saving condemns assaults on pool lifeguards

16th December 2024 - ‘Keep Your Cool at the Pool’ Campaign urges respect for lifeguards and other aquatic facility staff

3rd December 2024 - BlueFit opens new Sydney swim school

6th November 2024 - Aboriginal youth gym among projects to benefit from NSW ClubGRANTS

27th September 2024 - BlueFit to continue focus on safety and commits to further staff training on breastfeeding awareness

20th September 2024 - Lifeguard training conducted ahead of Cessnock pools’ reopening

27th June 2024 - Study reveals youth who participate in organised sport have less mental health issues when older

22nd May 2024 - BlueFit named as new operator of Camden Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Centres

7th May 2024 - BlueFit and Fitness and Lifestyle Group announce learn to swim partnership

12th March 2024 - Belgravia Leisure program empowers youth while fostering social inclusion

5th September 2023 - Royal Life Saving highlights swim teacher and lifeguard shortages present opportunities for job seekers this summer

2nd May 2023 - James Ellender moves from ActiveXchange to Head AFL’s Western Sydney Expansion Hub

7th February 2023 - Roof to be raised at Mount Annan Leisure Centre

27th October 2022 - Global Youth Sports Festival to be delivered in hybrid format

19th July 2022 - Mount Annan Leisure Centre secures AUSTSWIM excellence award

25th May 2022 - Mount Annan Leisure Centre shines in safety audit

26th November 2021 - Camden residents offered free pool entry to mark International Day of People with Disability

30th July 2021 - Y NSW reappointed to manage Camden aquatic, fitness and recreation facilities

13th October 2017 - AFL NSW/ACT investigates complaints over female Bathurst players being encouraged to strip

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