AN initiative that aims to break down barriers preventing young people taking part in sport is starting in Salisbury this week.

Wiltshire Council, along with local sports partners and organisations, will be working at the Friary Estate in Salisbury asking young people what sport they want to take part in. The initiative comes after the council successfully applied for an initial grant of £5,000 from the national charity Street Games to help deliver a 'doorstep sports club' for the estate.

The aim of the doorstep sports club project will be to offer sporting opportunities at the 'right time, right place, right price and in the right style.' The project starts on Thursday and will run weekly from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Friary Hall and at the multi-use games area.

It will be open to young people aged 13 to 19 years old. The project, which promotes healthy lifestyles through leisure, will also encourage local volunteers to come forward to be trained to work in the club.

The council is working with a wide range of local partners in delivering the project including the Bath Rugby Foundation, Kandu Arts, Alabaré, Salisbury City Council, the youth service and community safety.

Councillor Jonathon Seed, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: “We are really passionate in Wiltshire about using sport to help make a real difference to young people's lives.

“We hope the doorstep sport club for The Friary will demonstrate the role sport can play as a catalyst for social change and a key part in it.

“The Legacy from London 2012 is really important for Wiltshire Council and Doorstep Sports provides the opportunity to inspire the next generation to take part in sport while contributing to making more people, more active, more often.”