Oldham Active’s Young Person’s Memberships are booming, with 27% of new members signing up every month now Young Person’s Memberships and 15% of all members being aged 11 – 18.
Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure), the charitable trust that operates leisure facilities in the borough, first introduced its Young Person’s Membership in October 2021. Since launching, its popularity has grown and Oldham Active currently has 1500 young members across its five facilities in the borough.
The specialist membership, aimed at 11 – 18 year olds, enables the young person to use the gym and facilities independently, without an adult, on completion of a complimentary induction, which includes a free, bespoke fitness programme. A parent or guardian must help the young person set up their membership, including completing an application form, health questionnaire and establishing the direct debit.
The monthly membership package is just £16.99 a month and gives young people access to swim sessions, classes and the gym, with seven days advanced booking available any time, any day, for all its leisure centres.
Simon Blair, Head of Business Development, Oldham Active says: “Oldham Active is passionate about delivering accessible and affordable health opportunities for all. We identified there was a need for young people to engage with health and fitness in the area and developed this special membership offer with them in mind. We want to improve the wellbeing of young people in Oldham and to instil healthy habits and lifestyle choices at an early age. We understand that not all young people enjoy competitive sport, such as football or hockey, and our membership allows them to exercise in a more relaxed, informal environment. Our Young Person’s Membership is about meeting new friends and enjoying exercising with existing friends and family. We encourage young people to try something new.
“To help young people prepare to use the gym, all new members must have a mandatory induction, helping them to learn how to use the equipment safely, and how to be respectful and mindful of other members and best practices. We always have our experienced wellness team in our gyms and facilities who are available to offer help, guidance and support.”
Devon, aged 13, has a Young Person’s Membership and uses the gym and classes at Royton Gym and Chadderton Wellbeing Centre. He says: “My mum has been a member of Oldham Active for as long as I can remember, so going to the gym felt very familiar to me. We both now go, two or three times a week, and I’m really loving some of the group exercise classes, especially HIIT and Body Tone. The classes really challenge me and I enjoy using the equipment. Other members and the instructors have been really welcoming, and since joining a few months ago I’m feeling really good and confident. I’m thinking of trying out Spinning for the first time! I’m not really into football at school, so coming to the gym gives me the opportunity to work out without the pressure of team sports.”
Devon’s mum, Leanne, 45, says: “The great thing about Oldham Active is the variety of people that use the facilities. Everyone is made to feel welcome. I’ve been a member for 11 years and really enjoy the Body Pump classes. It’s a really non-judgmental environment and I feel secure and reassured that my son can come and spend time here with or without me. It’s great that he can access exercise on his own terms and I’ve been pleased to see him try out a variety of activities. I find the junior membership to be extremely good value, as it includes all classes, the gym, swimming. I can see Devon using this membership for the long-term.”
